London advances emissions reduction scheme

LONDON, Feb. 9 (UPI) -- The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office expressed its formal commitment to an effort to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 10 percent by year's end.

London in September called on the private sector and government departments to cut their carbon emissions by 10 percent by the end of 2010.

British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said that "by signing up to and delivering on the 10:10 commitments, the FCO will signal its determination to play its own part in turning Copenhagen's intent into the reality of a low carbon future."

World leaders gathered in Copenhagen, Denmark, for two weeks in December to find a comprehensive agreement to replace the expiring Kyoto Protocol. Participants agreed to "take note" of an accord that relays a desire to limit global temperature increases.

The FCO said it would cut carbon emissions by reducing air travel, advancing the use of alternative-energy vehicles, and reducing the heating and cooling usage in its offices.

Miliband encouraged British embassies to pledge their support for the effort, with 14 committing to the plans already.

London in 2008 agreed to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent of their 1990 levels by 2050. The 10:10 pledge is a short-term push toward that vision, the FCO said.