UK carbon emissions up 3.5% in 2012 says Climate Committee, though trend still lower
Thu 27 June 2013
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The UK is not on course to meet its climate targets beyond 2020 according to the latest report from the Committee on Climate Change. While there has been progress in some policy areas, the Committee on Climate Change said carbon emissions rose in 2012 by 3.5%, mainly as a result of cold weather and the greater use of coal for power generation.
Stripping out the impact of the cold weather and extra coal use emissions fell - but by 1% compared with the 3% target.
The annual report is the latest from the Committee on Climate Change which monitors the Government's progress in meeting climate targets.
David Kennedy, Chief Executive of the CCC said: “Although the first carbon budget has been comfortably achieved and the second budget is likely to be achieved, this is largely due to the impact of the economic downturn.
"There remains a very significant challenge delivering the 3% annual emissions reduction required to meet the third and fourth carbon budgets, particularly as the economy returns to growth. Government action is required over the next two years to develop and implement new policies. A failure to do this would raise the costs and risks associated with moving to a low-carbon economy.”
David Kennedy will be speaking at the LowCVP's Annual Conference on July 11 in London.
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