UK substantially cuts greenhouse gas emissions

The UK has substantially reduced its greenhouse gas output, according to 1999 estimates from the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.


Emissions of a basket of six greenhouse gases, weighted by global warming potential, fell by 14.5% between 1990 and 1999, and by 6.5% between 1998 and 1999. Carbon dioxide emissions fell by 9% between 1990 and 1999, just 11% short of the Government’s recently upgraded target of 20% lower than 1990 levels by 2010. However, carbon dioxide emissions increased by 2% between 1999 and 2000, mainly as a result of the increased use of coal in power stations due to the maintenance and repair at nuclear and combined cycle gas turbine stations, and higher gas prices.

Volatile organic compound emissions fell by 34% between 1988 and 1999, with emissions of all other main air pollutants, except hydrogen chloride, falling between 1998 and 1999.

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