Green House Gas Emissions
Climate change is arguably the biggest single challenge facing mankind and the
planet. Many experts believe the Earth is locked into a pattern of rising
temperatures and sea levels that is almost certainly the result of human
activities.
The main cause is the release of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (which
is sometimes written as CO2) into the atmosphere. The effect of this on our climate is proving
unpredictable. Tackling climate change requires everyone to play their full
part
– the
government, energy suppliers, companies and consumers.
UK food and drink manufacturers have a good track record when it comes to
reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. The industry accounts for 11% of the
food
chain's greenhouse gases.
Food and drink manufacturers reduced their CO2 emissions by 17% in 2006 compared to 1990. This amounts to an average saving of
58,000 tonnes of CO2, the equivalent of taking 22,000 cars off UK roads each year and are working to
achieve more, e.g. under FDF's voluntary Climate Change Agreement with the
Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC).
Overall, FDF members have committed to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 20%
by 2010, compared with 1990, and are aspiring to a 30% reduction by 2020.
More Information
Last reviewed: 26 Nov 2008