New figures on carbon levels show worrying rise in emissions in the last two years, prompting government ministers to call for greater industry commitment.
Brian Wilson, Minister for energy, has made clear the tough challenge the UK faces if it is to meet its environmental targets.

New research shows a small increase in CO2 emissions in the last two years after substantial reductions during the 1990s.

The latest government research publication, Energy Trends, shows that despite an overall 6% fall in carbon emissions since 1990, there was a slight increase for the years 2000 and 2001.

The government claims the rise is a result of increased use of coal in electricity generation and colder weather in the winter months.

Speaking at a visit to Renewable North West, a new non-profit company set up by the North West Development Agency and United Utilities, Wilson warned: "For anyone who might have grown complacent, these figures demand that we must do more to address our environmental obligations.

"We met the Rio target to keep greenhouse gas emissions below 1990 levels by 2000, but this is still not enough. The time for action is now.

Wilson said that all sectors of the economy need to contribute to more sustainable use of energy. "We need greater energy efficiency and more renewable energy. Energy companies should continue to help customers become more fuel efficient."

During the 1990s, the UK economy grew by 29%, taking energy use up by 9.5%. But UK carbon emissions decreased by 6%. "This is clear evidence that carbon emissions and energy consumption can be decoupled from economic growth," said Wilson.

He added: "I hope to see more new and innovative ideas from small and large scale developers. I will encourage every realistic prospect to be developed into real green electricity for homes across the UK."

DTI provisional estimates of UK carbon emissions in 2001 appear in the March edition of Energy Trends. The article is available on the DTI website at www.dti.gov.uk/epa/et.htm.

Energy Trends is a quarterly publication covering all aspects of UK energy production and use. The figures up to 2000 were compiled by the National Environmental Technology Centre on behalf of DEFRA. The 2001 estimates were calculated by DTI and are based on provisional energy consumption data for 2001.

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