October 31, 2023 - Globalgreenhouse.eu

UK's Emissions Climb by 2% in 2022 Amid Post-Pandemic Economic Bounce

News

October 31, 2023

UK’s Emissions Climb by 2% in 2022 Amid Post-Pandemic Economic Bounce

Fresh data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that greenhouse gas emissions in the UK rose by 2% in 2022, a continuation of the 3% surge in 2021 as the nation gradually recovered from the pandemic-induced economic slump.

Unpacking the Data

Early statistics released this week indicate that emissions from UK residents and companies, both domestic and overseas, amounted to 512 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (MT CO2e) in 2022, marking a 2% increase from the previous year. It’s essential to note that this data does not include emissions from foreign entities and visitors within the UK.

Bright Spots Amidst the Rise

Even with the recent surge, there’s a glimmer of optimism. The emission levels for 2022, though elevated, are still 7% beneath the numbers recorded before the pandemic in 2019, which ONS reported at 550 MT CO2e. Sector-Specific Insights: The transportation industry recorded the most significant emissions hike in 2022, registering a 34% increase from 2021. This jump is especially significant, considering the sector saw a 28% reduction in 2020 and a subsequent 9% decline in 2021. Consumer expenditure contributed to a quarter of the UK’s emissions in 2022, with the energy sector following closely at 16%.

Reporting and Benchmarks

In relation to economic yield, for every million pounds of economic activity in 2022, the UK produced roughly 190 tonnes of CO2e, showing a considerable decline from the 67% figure in 1990. The transportation sector, however, saw its emission intensity grow by 20% from the prior year.

The UK employs three primary measures for reporting greenhouse gas outputs, with the ONS metrics being one of them. The other two are territorial emissions (released by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero) and footprint emissions (by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs).

Environmental Consequences Explored

The primary greenhouse gases, typically associated with global warming, consist of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), and nitrogen trifluoride (NF3).

Concluding Notes

The latest rise in emissions underscores the UK’s challenge in navigating between economic rejuvenation and environmental commitments. Although the uptrend in emissions is a cause for concern, the data can guide future policy-making to ensure a harmonious blend of economic development and environmental preservation.

©globalgreenhouse.eu

UK Shifts from EU Water Quality Standards, Sparking Environmental Concerns

News

October 31, 2023

UK Shifts from EU Water Quality Standards, Sparking Environmental Concerns

In a move that underscores the UK’s increasing divergence from EU regulations, the government has unveiled plans to modify the standards used to monitor water quality in England. This shift has triggered alarms among environmental activists, who apprehend that this might pave the way for increased pollution levels in the nation’s rivers and waterways.

Historical Context

While part of the EU, England was governed by the water framework directive (WFD), mandating an annual national survey assessing the chemical and ecological health of rivers. Post-Brexit, although the WFD was integrated into English legislation, the annual testing stipulation was eliminated.

Environmental Ramifications

The 2019 comprehensive water assessments revealed a concerning picture: a mere 14% of rivers were ecologically healthy, and shockingly, none met the chemical health standards. Despite these worrisome figures, the government has expressed its intent to withhold any complete updates till 2025, which is the furthest allowable date under the revamped WFD.

A New Methodology

The Guardian has unveiled the government’s plan to adopt a distinct, yet-to-be-disclosed method for evaluating river health. Environmentalists argue this change might make comparative analyses with EU rivers challenging and could obscure potential pollution threats from agricultural runoff and sewage.

Feedback from Stakeholders

Government representatives recently briefed stakeholders about the anticipated changes. One NGO representative shared concerns about the prospective shift to the Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment (NCEA) process, questioning its development and suitability.

Stuart Singleton-White, representing the Angling Trust, voiced his apprehensions: “The WFD has been instrumental in gauging the health of our water bodies. Though not exhaustive, it offers a valuable benchmark. Delaying a full 2022 assessment to 2025 only creates uncertainty and deprives the public of essential insights into the health of our rivers.”

Government’s Perspective

Despite the concerns, an Environment Agency spokesperson emphasized the commitment to enhancing water quality. They highlighted collaborations with various organizations to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the natural environment, its monitoring, and interventions.

Political Reactions

Tim Farron, the Liberal Democrats’ environment spokesperson, expressed strong reservations about the changes: “The government’s approach is disconcerting. Rather than taking stringent actions against pollution, it seems they are easing regulations, leaving water companies with undue freedom. The system needs an overhaul, with more rigorous testing and a potent regulator at its helm.”

In conclusion, the UK’s departure from established EU water quality monitoring standards has stirred a considerable debate. While the government assures its commitment to water quality, activists and environmentalists remain skeptical, anticipating potential adverse outcomes.

©globalgreenhouse.eu

Decarbonisation Delays Threaten Net Zero Ambitions, IPCC Chief Warns

CO2

October 31, 2023

Decarbonisation Delays Threaten Net Zero Ambitions, IPCC Chief Warns

The head of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Professor Jim Skea, cautioned that delaying decarbonisation initiatives could lead to intensified global warming by the middle of this century. Such delays would make achieving the ambitious net-zero targets by 2050 increasingly challenging.

Progress and Hurdles in the UK

While the UK and several other nations have legally committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, the path to this goal remains contentious. The UK has made significant strides in decarbonising its power sector, now sourcing over 40% of its electricity from renewables. However, measures that demand personal investments, such as transitioning to green vehicles or retrofitting homes, have seen resistance.

Recent Policy Shifts

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s recent policy announcements, including delaying the ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles and supporting the Rosebank oil and gas field development, have raised eyebrows. These decisions seem at odds with the country’s commitment to the 2050 net-zero target.

The Importance of the Journey to Net Zero

Emphasizing the significance of the journey rather than just the endpoint, Professor Skea said, “The path by which you get to net zero matters.” Accumulative carbon emissions over time play a critical role in determining global warming levels.

Global Temperature Concerns

Reports from the World Meteorological Organisation suggest that the annual global average temperature could exceed preindustrial levels by at least 1.5C within this decade. The Paris Agreement’s goal is to prevent the Earth’s temperature from surpassing this threshold. However, consistent temperatures above this mark over two decades would signify a failure to meet this commitment.

Risks and Action

Highlighting the escalating risks, Professor Skea noted, “The risks of climate change accelerate beyond 1.5C towards 2C.” Despite these risks, he emphasized the unequivocal need for proactive climate action.

Future of the IPCC

When asked about the future role of the IPCC, Professor Skea expressed that the complexities of climate change ensure that the IPCC’s work will remain relevant. He concluded, “We will always need new knowledge.”