Extracts from NATTA's journal
Renew, issue 145Sept-Oct 2003

12. UK cuts emissions

We tend to focus on the problem areas, but overall the UK is doing quite well on emission cuts- mainly of course due to the dash for gas. A recent report published by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) noted that the UK had reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 12.8% between 1990 and 2000, successfully decoupling economic growth from energy and emissions intensity. Notable decreases were obtained for the three main greenhouse gases- 35% for N20, 33% for methane and 8% for CO2.

So it was on course to meet its Kyoto greenhouse gas emissions target. Indeed the UNFCCC concluded that the UK Climate Change Programme could allow emissions reductions significantly greater than those required by Kyoto, moving towards the domestic goal of a 20% reduction in CO2 by 2010. But, of course whether this progress can be continued will depend on the renewables and energy efficiency programmes and on what happens in the transport sector.

The report is at: http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/idr/gbr03.pdf