U.K. emissions shrinking toward Kyoto goal

LONDON, March 28 (UPI) -- British Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said the country may meet its Kyoto goals.

Benn announced that progress is being made on cutting emissions, but there is still much work to do to meet or exceed Kyoto targets.

The government announced that U.K. greenhouse gas emissions for 2007 dropped 2 percent over the previous year. The decrease in carbon dioxide emissions largely resulted from many who chose to switch from coal to natural gas.

Benn added that development of a carbon market would greatly increase the chances of exceeding goals in emissions reductions. Government incentives will encourage change, but Benn said individuals and businesses need to begin doing more for their parts.

Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks said that the recently released statistics show carbon emissions are steadily decreasing. Energy efficiency, more renewable energy, new nuclear and carbon capture and storage technology will all play a key part in ensuring that greenhouse gas emissions continue to fall, he said.