Press release

Council carbon cuts due to recession not green action

15 September 2011

The fall in carbon dioxide emissions in local council areas announced today (Thursday 15 September 2011) is mainly due to the recession, not green policies - which means emissions will rise when the economy picks up and local areas are missing out on green job and business opportunities, said Friends of the Earth.

The environmental campaigning charity also welcomed yesterday's Government announcement that it will ask the independent Committee on Climate Change to advise on local authorities' role in tackling emissions as a step in the right direction - but said this must result in local councils doing their share to meet UK targets for tackling climate change.

Government estimates for 2009, published today, shows carbon emissions assigned to local authority areas have fallen by almost 13 per cent since 2005. Councils have influence over about 80 per cent of UK emissions.

Friends of the Earth's senior parliamentary campaigner, Liz Hutchins, said:

"Disappointingly, the sharp fall in emissions councils have influence over is largely due to the recession - not green policies which could boost jobs and businesses at the same time.

"From greener travel to slashing energy waste at home and generating it in a clean way, councils have a vital role to play in meeting UK climate targets - but unfortunately most aren't doing enough.

"Independent advice from the Committee on Climate Change on council action to slash emissions is a significant step forward - but this must lead to councils playing their part in meeting UK climate targets."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1.            Annual carbon dioxide emissions within the scope of influence of local authorities are published by the Department of Energy and Climate Change today.

2.            This data (previously called NI186 under the National Indicator set) measures end-user carbon dioxide emissions in the local area from the industrial, domestic and transport sector. The data is for the year 2009-10, although more recent information for the whole of the UK has previously been published.

The data covers 80% per cent of UK emissions and excludes pollution that local authorities have no influence over such as motorways and heavy industry.

The figures show overall emissions under the influence of local authorities are down by almost 13% since 2005. Per capita emissions have fallen by 15%.

The biggest drop is for 2008-9 and is across all main sectors. This is likely due to recession (and high fuel prices) although there are downward trends in most sectors.

 3.            The Government revealed that the Committee on Climate Change has been asked to advise on the role of local authorities in tackling climate change during yesterday's Parliamentary debate on the Energy Bill.

4.            Friends of the Earth has led the call for councils to play their part in tackling climate change through its campaign Get Serious about C02.

If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust