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Carbon Dioxide Emissions Rise Again
19 May 2005
Carbon dioxide emissions rose again in 2003 according to the latest figures published by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) today. Greenhouse gas emissions rose by 1.6 per cent on the previous year, primarily due to increased emissions from coal-fired power stations the figures reveal [1].
The figures, published as part of the ONS Environmental Accounts, measure greenhouse gas emissions on a UK residents basis, including emissions from UK households, companies, and from travel abroad, including shipping and aviation.
Emissions from the electricity generators increased in 2003 by 6.7 per cent on the previous year, according to the figures, as a result of the greater use of coal for generation and the decrease in imported electricity from France.
Friends of the Earth Executive Director Tony Juniper said:
"These figures show once again that the Government is failing to put in place policies which will tackle climate change. The science is clear that we need to start cutting emissions now if we are to protect ourselves from rapid and sudden climate change. The Government's Climate Change Review, due soon, must spell out clear policies for tackling our rising emissions. Tough decisions are required on transport, energy efficiency and renewables. Has Tony Blair got the political courage to carry them through?"
Greenhouse gas emissions from transport and communication industries rose by 48.4 per cent higher in 2003 than in 1990, and by 5.2 per cent on the previous year. Total energy consumption for the UK rose by 1.6 per cent higher than in 2002 and 10.8 per cent higher than in 1990.
Note
[1] www.statistics.gov.uk/pdfdir/enacc0505.pdf (PDF)
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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Jun 2008
