Emissions rise in UK should be ‘wake up call’

Environmental charity WWF-UK says the first rise in emissions in the UK for a decade should be a huge “wake up call” to the Government. Today DECC released figures which […]

Environmental charity WWF-UK says the first rise in emissions in the UK for a decade should be a huge “wake up call” to the Government.

Today DECC released figures which show greenhouse gas emissions went up 3%, with the increase driven by household energy use. If the UK is to hit legally binding targets, it must cut emissions by at least 34% by 2020.

Energy Secretary Ed Davey tried to avoid broadcasting panic with the news, suggesting: “One year won’t knock the UK off meeting its long term emission reduction targets.”

But Keith Allott, head of climate change at WWF-UK warned the UK needs a “step change” to stay on track to hit climate change targets.

He said: “If the government ever needed a wake up call on greenhouse gas emissions here it is. Whilst there were specific factors contributing to this increase, it’s clear that a step change is needed if the UK is to remain on track on tackling climate change.

“In particular it is alarming to see emissions from homes rising when people are struggling to pay their energy bills. The government must ensure that its policies on energy efficiency deliver at scale to reduce emissions and protect consumers.”

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