The statement (Download here) shows that, in 2008, net UK emissions were 626.0 million tonnes of carbon dioxide-equivalent (MtCO2e). This is 11.9 MtCO2e (1.9%) less than net UK emissions in 2007. In addition, 19.3 MtCO2e worth of carbon units were bought in 2008 by companies in the UK operating under the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS).

Taking into account the use of these carbon units, this means the net UK carbon account in 2008 was 606.7 MtCO2e. This is 22% below base year emissions, which were 777.8 MtCO2e. It is well within the indicative annual range of where we expected the net UK carbon account for 2008 to fall (588 MtCO2e to 619 MtCO2e), which was published in the UK Low Carbon Transition Plan.

Energy and Climate Change Minister Joan Ruddock said:

"Today’s emissions score card shows that the UK’s climate change policies are working and that we’re on track to meet our carbon targets.

"Since 1990, the UK’s emissions have been cut by 22%, which means we’ll more than meet the international commitments we made.

"We’re putting in place policies to make the low carbon transition by supporting investment in clean energy, in insulating homes and creating green jobs."

Taking into account the use of carbon units, the net UK carbon account in 2008 was 606.7 MtCO2e. This is 22% below ‘base year’ emissions, which were 777.8 MtCO2e.