UK considered on course to surpass Kyoto Protocol
Greenhouse gas emissions in Britain fell 13 per cent between 1990 and 2000, despite discernible economic growth, according to the United Nations’ climate control body.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) reported the UK had ‘succeeded remarkably’ in tackling climate change, had made ‘commendable progress’, and the UK Climate Change Programme could allow emissions reductions to fall further than those set under the Kyoto Protocol.
The body found the UK had made reductions in the three main greenhouse gases – 35% for nitrous oxide, 33% for methane and 8% for CO2.
According to the report, the UK was on course to reach her domestic goal or cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 20 per cent (below 1990 levels) by 2010.
Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett said: ‘Overall, this report presents a very positive assessment of our efforts and commitment and supports our own view that we are on track to meet our Kyoto target by a significant margin.’
Ms. Beckett has forecasted the UK could achieve a 60% cut in carbon dioxide emissions by 2050.
Separately, The European Environment Agency (EEA) found several European countries wanting in achieving projected greenhouse gas emissions.
It found emissions increased in 2001 for the second year running.
Although the EU in total is committed to reducing emissions by 8% between 2008 and 2012, drawing on present data, its appears to stand almost no chance of reaching this goal.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) rose 1.6% in the EU from 2000 to 2001, according to the report.
