Britain aims to cut emissions

Britain said yesterday that it would cut its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in excess of its international treaty obligations. The UK said it aimed to cut emissions by 20 per cent from 1990 levels by 2010 and at an initial rate consistent with a 16.3 per cent cut in the first phase from 2005 to 2007.

The proposals, part of a European Union-wide scheme, exceed Britain's obligation under the Kyoto Protocol on climate change to cut 12.5 per cent off its 1990 levels. It has already cut emissions by about 8 per cent.