UK half way to net zero; territorial GHG emissions fall in 2022-2023

After becoming the first major economy to halve its emissions, territorial greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions fell further across several key sectors between 2022 and 2023 as the reliance on gas decreases.

The electricity supply sector saw a drop in emissions of 19.6 per cent, homes had a fall of 7.2 per cent, and the industry witnessed an 8-per cent drop.

The latest data reflect the United Kingdom’s world-leading record on renewable electricity, with the five largest operational offshore wind farm projects and nearly half of its electricity generation now coming from renewables compared to just 7 per cent in 2010, a UK government release noted.

The figures also show that the United Kingdom has reduced its territorial greenhouse gas emissions by 428 MtCO2e between 1990 and 2023—more than the combined emissions reductions from the United States, Canada, France, Italy and Japan between 1990 and 2021.

“This latest drop in our emissions follows the UK’s achievement in becoming the first major economy to halve its polluting carbon emissions. We have done all this whilst growing our economy by 80 per cent, and shielding families from unnecessary costs,” energy security secretary Claire Coutinho said.

Since 2010, the United Kingdom has attracted £300 billion (~$379 billion) in low carbon investment, with a further £100 billion (~$126.26 billion) expected by 2030, supporting up to 480,000 domestic jobs.?Companies have announced plans for £24 billion (~$30.3 billion) of new low carbon investment since September alone, showing confidence in the UK to support its green transition.

The country has also over-achieved against three consecutive carbon budgets and is one of very few major economies to have a legally binding emissions reduction target covering 2035—the 77 per cent target goes beyond many other countries.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)