In 2008, 2,111mn tonnes of greenhouse gases were emitted by the 27 countries par ...

In 2008, 2,111mn tonnes of greenhouse gases were emitted by the 27 countries participating in the EU’s emissions trading scheme (ETS), a reduction of 6% from the 2007 figure of 2,245mn tonnes. The figures come from market intelligence provider for the energy and environmental markets, Point Carbon. They are based on verified emissions data published by the European Commission via its Community Independent Transaction Log. The figures show that while emissions are down in all sectors, the largest relative change is found in the cement, lime and glass sector; and the pulp and paper sector - both showing reductions of 9%. Point Carbon speculates that this could indicate that these are the sectors worst hit by the recession. The power and heat sector emitted 6% less, oil and gas 1% less, and metals 1% less. Kjersti Ulset, Manager of European Carbon Analysis at Point Carbon Trading Analytics and Research said, ‘[the] numbers tell us two things. They confirm that the recession is leading to lower emissions, with both industry output and power demand down. But they also show that the carbon markets work as intended. The emission reductions we see in the power sector are partly a result of the high carbon price we had for the first half of 2008. Although the recession plays the lead role in [the] story, it is obvious that the EU ETS is leading to emission reductions.’