Britain’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions fell by 5.4% in 2023, according to official figures released on Thursday, as less gas was used to generate electricity and heat houses.

To achieve the country’s goal of net zero emissions by 2050, adjustments must be made to how people eat and move, as well as how electricity is generated.

“This decrease in 2023 is primarily due to a reduction in gas demand from the electricity supply and buildings and product uses sectors,” the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) said.

In 2023, total greenhouse gas emissions were predicted to be 384.2 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent.

The energy industry, which accounts for around 11% of Britain’s GHG emissions, saw the greatest decrease at 41.1 MtCO2e compared to 51.9 MtCO2e in 2022.

A comeback in French nuclear power output in 2023 allowed Britain to import more electricity, reducing the requirement for domestic fossil fuel power generation, while electricity consumption declined, according to DESNZ.

The report showed that gas power generation in Britain declined by 21.1% in 2023.

DESNZ reported that emissions in the structures and product uses sector declined by 6.2%, owing primarily to lower demand for heating due to high energy and other expenses.

Energy prices for most UK homes reached record highs in the end of 2022, despite government support, and did not begin to reduce until July 2023.

Emissions from the industrial sector declined by 8%, primarily due to lower fuel usage in the iron and steel industries.

The domestic transport industry, which includes road travel, aircraft, and shipping, saw a 1.4% decrease in emissions.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, the major greenhouse gas, were predicted at 302.8 million tonnes, a 6.6% decrease from 2022.

(Adapted from ChannelNewsAsia.com)

Categories: Economy & Finance, Regulations & Legal, Sustainability