UK greenhouse gas emissions rose significantly in 2010, for the first time in several years, according to the final data released by the Government earlier this month.
Data from the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) shows that emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and five other greenhouse gases covered by the Kyoto Protocol were 3.1 per cent higher than in 2009. Emissions of CO2 alone were almost four per cent higher.
Analysis
The spike has been attributed largely to an increase in the amount of gas used to heat homes during the cold spells at the beginning and end of the year.
Emissions from the residential sector rose by almost 15 per cent in 2010, while emissions from all other sectors were relatively stable.
The 3.1 per cent rise contrasts with a fall of nearly 10 per cent in 2009, which was attributed to the recession.
Emissions from the UK’s power sector rose by three per cent in 2010 because more fossil fuel power was required to make up for a fall in nuclear energy capacity.
Transport emissions fell slightly, down 0.1 per cent on 2009 levels, which has been linked to rising fuel costs.
New trend
Total UK greenhouse gas emissions from homes and businesses in 2010 were 590.4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e), compared to 572.5 MtCO2e in 2009.
These figures are slightly worse than the provisional estimates for 2010, published last April, which said greenhouse gas emissions would rise by 2.8 per cent.
'Underline the importance'
Newly appointed energy and climate change secretary, Ed Davey said: "Emissions were up in 2010 because of the exceptionally cold weather and greater use of fossil fuels.
"One year won't knock the UK off meeting its long-term emission reduction targets, but it serves to underline the importance of the Coalition's policies for insulating homes to cut bills and emissions and moving to greener alternative forms of energy."
'Over-reliance on gas'
Keith Allott, head of climate change at WWF-UK commented: "The UK's over-reliance on gas has pushed up emissions along with people's energy bills. It's a clear sign that the Government needs to back investors in renewable energy and get us off the fossil fuel hook once and for all."
Posted under Climate Change and What it Means to You on 22 February 2012
