Report: U.K. emissions are down

LONDON, Feb. 1 (UPI) -- U.K. greenhouse gas emissions fell in 2006, new government data show.

The recently released figures from the Environment Ministry will put Britain in a position to exceed its Kyoto Protocol commitment.

Final figures for all greenhouse gas emissions in Britain in 2006 show that total emissions were down 0.5 percent on 2005 levels, and carbon dioxide, which makes up about 85 percent of the country's total greenhouse gas emissions, stayed the same.

With growth in the economy usually linked to higher emissions, Britain, which has lowered its emissions while growing its economy, is an anomaly.

The biggest decrease in emissions was in the residential sector, with a fall of 4 percent on 2005 levels. There was also a decrease of 1.6 percent in the business sector.

Britain's emissions are now 16.4 percent lower than 1990 levels.

While the emissions are decreasing, Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said there is much work to be done still.

"The U.K. is on track to meet and go well beyond its Kyoto commitments, but as a country we must do much more across the board. We have to make a real change to every aspect of our lives and our economy. The government is taking steps to make that happen."