UTES

Total UK emissions fell in 2008 according to figures published by the Department for Energy and Climate Change. Announced today (2 February) UK emissions in 2008 of the six greenhouse gases covered by the Kyoto Protocol were estimated at 628.3m tonnes of carbon dioxide. This was 1.9% lower than the 2007 figure of 640.5m tonnes, with the fall largely down to cuts of 7.3% (1.3 MtCO2e) from industrial processes. However, the residential sector saw an increase in emissions of 3.1% equal to 2.5 MtCO2e.

UK minister for energy and climate change, Joan Ruddock, said: "Today's greenhouse gas emissions statistics are encouraging and show a continued decline in greenhouse gas emissions of nearly 2% during 2008. "The UK is demonstrating the kind of year-on-year reductions that set an example in the world community. "We are determined to strengthen and sustain the momentum behind the low-carbon transition in the UK, supporting investment in low carbon technology, creating green jobs and providing a healthier future for everyone.