In a notable development, Britain’s greenhouse gas emissions recorded a new low in 2023, attributed to reduced heating usage by households and businesses in response to soaring energy prices.
The Department for Energy Security (DESNZ) reported a substantial decline of 5.4% in territorial emissions, totaling 384.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, compared to the previous year.
The department’s update, released on Thursday, highlighted the key factors behind this reduction, citing “reduced gas use in UK electricity generation and higher energy, and other prices that reduced demand for heating.”
Notably, energy prices in the UK reached record highs towards the end of 2022, persisting until July 2023 before experiencing a gradual decline.
According to data, the electricity sector, which contributes approximately 12% to UK emissions, witnessed a remarkable 19.6% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in 2023.
DESNZ attributed this decline to decreased electricity demand and increased electricity imports from France, driven by a resurgence in nuclear power output in the latter country, consequently reducing the need for domestic fossil fuel power generation. Consequently, gas power generation in Britain fell by 21.1% last year.
Moreover, emissions in the buildings and product uses sector decreased by 6.2%, with high energy prices likely playing a significant role in reducing gas usage for heating purposes.
The industrial sector also saw emissions decline by 8.0%, primarily due to reduced fuel consumption in industries such as iron and steel.
In the domestic transport sector, including aviation, road travel, and shipping, emissions fell by 1.4%, according to DESNZ.
This overall reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in 2023 represents a substantial 52.7% decrease since 1990, marking a significant milestone for the UK.
Responding to the data, environmental campaigners urged the government to take decisive action, emphasizing the importance of measures such as insulation, heat pumps, and the expansion of renewable energy.
Jess Ralston, energy analyst at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), highlighted the impact of expensive energy on household budgets, calling for urgent action to address the issue.
Doug Parr, policy director at Greenpeace UK, stressed the need for more ambitious policies to tackle emissions from buildings and transport, urging the government to prioritize investments in insulation, heat pumps, and public transport.
Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho lauded the UK’s achievement in halving carbon emissions while maintaining economic growth, emphasizing the government’s commitment to sustainability and affordability.