CO2 emissions decline in U.K.

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LONDON, March 30 (UPI) -- Preliminary estimates finding British greenhouse gas emissions are declining show the country is leading the fight against climate change, a secretary said.

British emissions of greenhouse gases in 2011 were estimated at around 549 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, a 7 percent decline compared with 2010 levels.

"This is more evidence of how the U.K. is leading the way in the fight against climate change," Energy and Climate Change Secretary Edward Davey said.

Carbon dioxide emissions accounted for more than 80 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the country in 2010. CO2 emissions for 2011 were 8 percent lower than during the previous year.

Most of the declines were attributed to a decrease in residential gas use and a greater reliance on nuclear power for electricity generation, the Department of Energy and Climate Change declared.

About 40 percent of the total carbon dioxide emissions in the country came from the energy supply sector last year, compared with 26 percent for the transportation sector. The business and residential sectors accounted for much of the rest.

"Carbon emissions are down, homes are more energy efficient and low carbon power is up," added Davey.