UK greenhouse gas emissions fell by almost eight per cent in 2014, says DECC

UK greenhouse gas emissions fell by almost eight per cent in 2014, according to new figures.

Statistics from the Department of Energy and Climate Change's (DECC) show greenhouse gas emissions fell by 7.7 per cent in 2014, with carbon dioxide emissions falling 8.9 per cent.

DECC said the largest decreases came from the energy supply sector, where emissions fell by 13.6 percent due to a decrease in the use of coal for electricity generation, and in the residential sector, where emissions fell by 17.0 percent due to falling demand for gas used in heating.

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The energy produced 31 per cent of the UK's total greenhouse gas emissions, transport accounted for 23 per cent and the business sector made up 17 per cent.

Carbon dioxide accounted for 82 percent of total UK greenhouse gas emissions in 2014.

Scottish Government Climate Change Minister Aileen McLeod welcomed the figures.

She said: “Scotland consistently outperforms the UK in cutting greenhouse gas emissions, with our latest data showing we achieved a 38 per cent reduction since 1990 – that’s three quarters of the way towards achieving our world-leading target of a 42 per cent cut by 2020.

“2014 was the warmest year on record in Scotland and the UK, which is further evidence of our changing climate – and I am struck by the fact that around half of the UK’s emission reduction in the last year may have been due to people turning down their heating as a result of the milder weather.

McLeod added: “Of course, these UK statistics pre-date the decisions taken by the UK Government in 2015 to slash renewable support, announce the early closure of the Renewables Obligation for large-scale onshore wind and solar PV projects, and cut support for small scale renewable projects through the Feed in Tariffs.

“We need the UK to assist Scotland’s drive to develop renewables and Carbon Capture and Storage, not stymie it as they have done recently.”