Councils cut carbon emissions
Author: Local Government Chronicle |
The latest official figures on pollution show that carbon dioxide emissions have fallen in more than three-quarters of local authorities
The Department of Energy and Climate Change report covers the period from 2005 to 2007. Its main points include:
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The UK’s overall CO2 emissions dropped by 2% between 2005 and 2007
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Emissions have fallen in 335 out of the 434 local authorities in the UK
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The north east had the highest emissions per person at 12.5m tonnes in 2007 but had the largest reduction between 2005 and 2007
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Greater London had the least CO2 emissions per person at 6m tonnes in 2007
Energy and Climate Change Minister, David Kidney said he was encouraged by the results: ?Every community in the country is working to cut their carbon footprint.
?Local Authorities are at the heart of the community and as such can help in setting an example on tackling climate change through their own actions.
?With only 80 days left to secure a global deal at the crucial climate talks in Copenhagen, action here at home has never been more important to show the world what we can do.
?We are helping people and businesses to save energy, cut emissions and save money. Amongst our plans, every home will have a smart meter to monitor energy use by 2020, millions more homes will be insulated, we’ll provide incentives for businesses to go green and we’ll be targeting support to vulnerable people who need it most.?
Margaret Eaton, chair of the LGA, said the figures showed that councils were on the frontline in the fight against climate change.
?Town halls have a vital role to play in helping people cut their carbon emissions.
?Whether it is free home insulation, loaning energy display devices to residents or investing in greener transport, councils across the country are taking practical steps to help people do their bit for the environment.
?A single national home insulation scheme, stamp duty relief for all new houses that meet the highest current energy saving standards and more help for remote rural areas to cut energy use are just some of the things councils want to see in order to cut carbon emissions even further.?
Tony Bosworth, a senior climate change campaigner with Friends of the Earth, said emissions cuts in each council area could make a real difference to the Government’s target to cut emissions by 80% by 2050.
?Councils have a big say in how we heat and power our homes and how we get around,? he said.
?While carbon emissions have fallen in the majority of council areas, they have actually risen in others and most councils could do far more to cut emissions.
?The Government must set a minimum requirement for action on climate change and ensure that cutting CO2 is a central policy for every local authority.