What is carbon content?
If a substance is burnt to produce energy (normally this would mean heat) emissions are given off which include a level of Carbon Dioxide (CO2). The amount of CO2 produced will depend on the substance being burnt. In the case of energy which is created by a nuclear reaction, there are no emissions and therefore no CO2 is produced. Why is the carbon content of energy important?
It is generally recognised that CO2 is one of the key factors behind global climate change and is accelerating global warming. As a result: ice caps are melting, glaciers are disappearing, sea levels are rising and more frequent extreme weather is being experienced around the globe.
Therefore, if the Island uses energy which is lower in CO2, it has a beneficial environmental impact locally and globally. What is the Island's record for reducing carbon and do we meet our Kyoto Protocol obligations?
The Island's carbon, emissions have been reducing since the late 1990s. At that time the Island's 'energy related' carbon emissions were around 180,000 tonnes per year, compared with a current level of about 120,000 tonnes per year. This difference has been due to the Jersey Electricity Company's move to purchase nuclear sourced electricity from EDF in France. In comparison, all other types of energy provided to islanders have maintained their historic CO2 outputs at broadly the same levels since the early 90's. As a result of the change to nuclear sourcing, the Island is meeting its International obligations under the Kyoto Protocol. Return to Environmental page
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