30 Jun 2010 03:06:05

Recession 'created illusion of CO2 cuts'

The reduction in carbon emissions seen over the past year were not due to improved implementation of climate change policy, an influential committee has claimed.

In its second progress report to parliament, the Committee on Climate Change indicated that the 8.6 per cent drop in greenhouse gas emissions seen over the past 12 months was due to a drop in economic activity and an increase in energy prices.

According to the group, there is a real risk that emissions will increase again as economic activity increases again.

Chair of the committee Lord Adair Turner said: "The recession has created the illusion that progress is being made to reduce emission."

Lord Adair went on to explain that the analysis in the report shows that climate change measures has little effect on emissions, adding "we are repeating our call for new policy approaches to drive the required step change, in order that the UK can ensure a low-carbon recovery".

The Committee on Climate Change also recently recommended to the government that it explores the option of employing carbon capture and storage technology at gas-fired power stations to ensure it meets its emissions targets.