The figures, announced earlier today (26 March), revealed an 8% decrease in all greenhouse gas emissions, and a record 19% of electricity generated by renewables.

The two achievements, undoubtedly linked, suggest that the prize of decoupling economic growth and greenhouse gas emissions is in sight.

Indeed, while the top-line figures prompted delight from Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace and the ECIU amongst others, the peripheral stats are equally promising.

Here then, are five graphs from Thursday’s reports highlighting why we should all be optimistic that a transition to a low-carbon economy is going as well as Ed Davey says it is

 

1) The biggest emissions reduction came from the biggest polluters, as the energy supply sector cut emissions by 15%


2) Every sector has made emissions reductions (except transport, where vehicle-kilometres travelled increased, offsetting better fuel consumption)


3) The most polluting fossil fuel (coal) is being gradually phased out of the energy supply


4) Increasing renewable energy and efficiency means the UK is less reliant on other countries for fuel


5) The 19% growth in renewable energy was not reliant on one technology

Brad Allen

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