UK BEATS KYOTO GOALS TWICE OVER

New data confirms UK will double Kyoto emission targets; Government hails 23 per cent cut in emissions since 1990 as evidence "there is an alternative" to a high carbon society
James Murray, 5 June 2009 (Business Green)

"The UK will today mark World Environment Day with the release of new data showing the country is on track to deliver emission cuts that are almost double its obligations under the Kyoto Protocol.

"According to a new UN report, UK greenhouse gas emissions are expected to be 23 per cent below 1990 levels by 2010, far exceeding its official target of a 12.5 per cent reduction in emissions."

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"Climate change minister Joan Ruddock insisted that while there was plenty of work still to be done, the cuts delivered so far provided evidence that economies could continue to grow while delivering rapid cuts in carbon emissions…

"However, the news is likely to receive a muted welcome from green groups, who have repeatedly argued the UK's reduction in emissions over the last 20 years are more the result of the shift in the energy mix away from gas and towards coal, rather than any government policies…"

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"A spokeswoman for the Department of Energy and Climate Change countered that there was evidence action taken by government and businesses had contributed to the cuts in emissions…

"The data was released as the government announced it is to launch a new web site designed to provide people with information on the Copenhagen negotiations to agree a successor to the Kyoto Protocol. It said the new site would provide information on the UK's negotiating position, and links to petitions urging world governments to reach a meaningful agreement at UN talks at the end of this year…"