New figures show big variations in CO2 emissions

10.30.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Sun 2nd Dec 2007

Climate Chaos

New figures have been released showing huge variations in the amount of carbon emitted per person across the UK. This is the third year Defra have published these statistics by local authority but the Government say the estimates are not comparable with either of the datasets published previously, due to improvements in the source data and methodology used. The figures estimate that 6.7 tonnes were emitted for each person in the Wolverhampton in 2005, Birmingham is 6.8 tonnes, Dudley is 6.0 tonnes, Sandwell is 7.9 tonnes and Walsall was 7.5 tonnes (the UK figure is 9.3). This compares to a global average of around 2.5 tonnes per capita (2003 figure).

Liberal Democrat Environment spokesperson said "Chris Huhne said "This report shows extremely worrying variations in CO2 emissions across the country. Every homeowner has a responsibility to do their bit to reduce emissions. However, the Government must work to make homes more energy efficient, to help families to reduce their carbon footprints."