Carbon Brief analysis shows the UK’s CO2 emissions fell by 5.8% in 2016, after a record 52% drop in coal use. The reduction would leave UK CO2 emissions some 36% below 1990 levels. The huge fall in CO2 from coal use in 2016 was partially offset by increased emissions from oil (up 1.6%) and gas (up 12.5%). These findings are based on Carbon Brief analysis of Department of Energy, Business and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) energy use figures. This analysis has proven to be accurate in previous years (see below). The department will publish its own CO2 estimates on 30 March.
Carbon Brief 6th March 2017 read more »
Carbon emissions in the UK have fallen to levels barely seen since the latter days of Queen Victoria after a collapse in the use of coal, new figures show. Consumption of coal sank by a record 52 per cent in 2016 from the previous year as use of the fuel was pummelled by cheaper gas, higher domestic carbon prices, the spread of renewables and other environmental policies.
FT 6th March 2017 read more »