INFORM Pollution Control
REVIEW LOW CARBON SUMMIT STATS
A hovercraft is being used
for the first time by the
UK greenhouse gas emissions fall 2%
Environment Agency to carry
out sampling and survey work. UK greenhouse gas emissions have
The agency carries out the fallen by 2%, according to the lat-
work, under the European est government figures.
Water Framework Directive, to Emissions of the basket of six
collect samples for monitoring greenhouse gases covered by the
pollution levels in coastal Kyoto Protocol totalled 623.8M
waters. tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent
Scientists take away the in 2008 – down from 636.6M
samples containing tiny tonnes in 2007, according to
micro-organisms for analysis, DECC figures.
which lets them monitor the Energy and climate change
estuaries and harbours to look minister Joan Ruddock said:
for signs of climate change as “Once again emissions in the UK
well as pollution. are down. It is clear that our poli-
The agency has been using cies will achieve more than what is
the hovercraft along the south- required under Kyoto, but we
west coast where fast tides and have much more to do at home to
small bays make using any maintain our leadership globally.” Environmental groups have poured scorn on the govenment’s CO
2
figures
other transport other than trav- Carbon dioxide (CO
2
) is the
elling on foot close to impossi- main greenhouse gas, accounting dropped is because we’re using CO
2
cuts because it knows it has
ble. But, the sites Fal and for about 85% of total UK green- more gas and less coal to generate failed to do enough to meet it.”
Camel estuaries in Cornwall, house gas emissions in 2007, the power. So it beggars belief that the The basket of gases also includes
Taw and Torridge in North latest year for which final results government is even thinking methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluo-
Devon and Poole Harbour in are available. Provisional figures of consenting to a new fleet of rocarbons, perfluorocarbons and
show UK net emissions of CO
2
at coal-fired power station just as we sulphur hexafluoride. They are all
531.8M tonnes – also 2% lower need to be slashing our emissions weighted by their global warming
than the 2007 number, which further. With a big decision potential, relative to that of carbon
was 542.6M tonnes. approaching on the proposed [coal dioxide. The final estimates of UK
The fall is the result of fuel power] plant at Kingsnorth in greenhouse gas emissions for 2008
switching from coal to natural Kent we’ll soon know just how will be published early next year
Dorset, can also be dangerous gas for electricity generation, committed ministers really are to but DECC says most provisional
as fast tides can trap people together with lower fossil fuel fighting climate change.” figures are within a percent of the
who have walked there. consumption by industry and road He added: “Overall emissions in final figure.
Amy Beard, who carried out transport, DECC said. the UK have actually risen under The UK has international and
the work for the Environment But environmental group Labour. Until last year they had domestic targets, including those
Agency, said: “There isn’t a lot Greenpeace was scornful of the been rising steadily because of under the Kyoto Protocol, a
of time to collect samples figures. Robin Oakley, head of increased coal burning. It has been domestic CO
2
goal, and targets
because they have to be taken climate and energy, said: “The only so bad that government has had to outlined in the UK Climate
at low tide, so we have to work reason our emissions have abandon its own 2010 target for Change Act.
quickly before the tide turns.
“This is where the hovercraft
CLEAN-UP
scores because it is so much
faster and safer and enables us
Defra funds clean-up of River Severn island
to reach all the sampling points
before they are covered by the The government is giving more including lime and brick works. out the investigations, completed
incoming tide. than £300,000 to Gloucester The contaminants were found in late 2007, confirmed wide-
“Walking in soft estuary mud City Council to help pay for the during Environment Agency spread contamination across the
is slow and potentially danger- clean-up of contaminated soil on flood defence work in 2006. island – formed where the Severn
ous, so it is something we’d a River Severn island. Gloucester City Council splits into two channels.
sooner avoid. Defra is making the grant after won funding from Defra to But, in most places the level was
“We sometimes get tests revealed six gardens and investigate the extent of the deemed “not significant”.
strange looks because people two mobile home sites on the contamination and issue advice As the controlling authority,
don’t expect to see a hover- island were contaminated with on the health risks. the council has a legal duty to
craft on their local estuary, it’s deadly toxins. The investigations revealed the ensure any contaminated land
a bit different to your usual Elevated levels of lead and area had a history of potentially is cleaned up.
coastal craft.” benzo-a-pyrene, a carcinogenic contaminative activities, including It is believed the contamination
The hovercraft can carry up chemical found in cigarette smoke, brick works, an iron foundry, boat stemmed from buried ash and
to three people, with their were detected in the land, previ- building and waste disposal. clinker dumped in the area more
equipment and has a top ously a site of heavy industry, The consultants, who carried than 50 years ago.
speed of about 30mph.
IN FACT TV SETS ON STANDBY STILL USE NEARLY 20% OF THE ENERGY THEY REQUIRE FOR FULL OPERATION
10 May 2009 ❘ Sustainable Business
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