News Article

The North East of England is in a strong position to respond to dramatic new targets to reduce the UK's greenhouse gas emissions by at least one-fifth from today's levels in just over a decade.

The government’s independent Committee on Climate Change has proposed a number of targets in its first report, Building a low-carbon economy, following the introduction of the Climate Change Act, which came into force last week (26 November 2008).

The Committee on Climate Change has recommended that reducing emissions by at least 34 per cent relative to 1990 levels (21 per cent relative to 2005) by 2020. It also says that the UK should reduce all greenhouse gases emissions by at least 80 per cent by 2050, which was included within the Climate Change Act.

The North East Climate Change Partnership Co-ordinator, Adrian Hilton, said: “The North East of England is committed to tackling climate change and reducing the production of greenhouse gasses that can be attributed to our region.

“While the Committee’s recommendations are demanding, they do not come as a surprise. Work done through our regional Greenhouse Gas Baselines and Trajectories Study has already identified the same targets as those outlined in the Committee’s report.

“Our report shows that 2005 is a pragmatic year to base relative emission reductions on, and it also recommends that we need to reduce all greenhouse gases emissions by at least 80 per cent by 2050.

“The Greenhouse Gas Baselines and Trajectories Study also measured emissions of the basket of six greenhouse gases covered by the Kyoto Protocol: Carbon dioxide (CO2); methane (CH4); nitrous oxide (N2O); and the three F gases (gases containing fluorine) sulfur hexafluoride, hydrofluorocarbons and perfluorocarbons.”

The government will now have to publish its first three carbon budgets, which are expected to be largely in line with the committee's recommendations, next March.

Alan Rutherford, chair of the Energy Leadership Council, said: “Our energy consumption is responsible for a significant amount of greenhouse gas emission in the North East of England. Due to the pioneering work our region is doing on low carbon and renewable energy, we are well-positioned to meet this significant and essential challenge.”

Adrian concluded: ”We all need to act now – the future quality of life depends on it. The North East of England is in an excellent position to lead the way, and meet these ambitious but essential targets.”Ends

To request a copy of the North East Greenhouse Gas Emissions Baselines and Trajectories Study Summary document, or to arrange an interview or photography of with Adrian Hilton, please contact Jennifer Robson on 0191 4978464 or email Jennifer.robson@northeastassembly.co.uk

For more information visit www.adaptne.org and www.climatene.org.uk