UK Greenhouse Emissions Still Rising

[chlamor]

UK greenhouse emissions still rising

David Crouch
Thursday March 31, 2005

UK carbon dioxide emissions have risen for two consecutive years according to figures released today, despite government pledges on climate change.

Emissions are now at their highest since 1996 and 3% higher than when Labour came to power in 1997. The government will need to implement drastic changes if it is to meet its target to reduce carbon pollution by 2010.

The government's latest data shows a rise in carbon dioxide emissions, by 1.5% last year and by 2.2% in 2003. Carbon dioxide is the main cause of global warming, accounting for 86% of UK greenhouse gas emissions in 2003.

The 1998 Kyoto treaty on climate change obliged Britain to cut its greenhouse emissions by 12.5% of its 1990 level by 2012. The government, however, pledged to make a larger reduction, of 20% of the 1990 level by 2010 - two years ahead of the Kyoto schedule.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/climatechange/story/0,12374,1449439,00.html