UK improves performance in PwC carbon index

The PwC has published its analysis which reveals that the UK is one of the most carbon-efficient economies in the world. The PwC’s data, in its Low Carbon Economy Index, looks at the growth of each country’s economy in light of the reductions to greenhouse gas emissions.

In 2012, the UK was third from the bottom in the list of the G20 Nations. However this year the UK achieved a 4.8% reduction in carbon intensity. This is four times the average level achieved globally. The effect is that for every $1 million of GDP, the UK emits 206 tonnes of CO2. This year the UK is more efficient that Turkey, Germany, the US, China and India.

In addition the UK has reached its personal best of record growth in renewables of 34%, the highest of all G20 countries. Partner of Sustainability and Climate Change at PwC, Lee Johnson said:

“The UK is starting to turn the corner on carbon. Through increased efficiency and investment in renewables the UK has started to decouple growth from carbon. The challenge now is getting a policy platform in place that accelerates this transition. Our current burn rate is taking us to four degrees. Keeping it to two degrees means decarbonising at more than five times our current rate."

“A business logic has started to emerge. It's about minimising the downside the UK in terms of flooding, energy costs and food security. It's also about attracting investment, boosting jobs and livability."

Jonathan Grant, Director of Sustainability and Climate Change, PwC said:

“Doing business in a changing climate is becoming very real for UK plc. Some of the high street’s biggest names are conducting risk assessments of long-term climate trends and the implications for their supply chains and business operations.” “Not only that, our analysis shows that the top ten destinations for UK foreign direct investment were exposed to almost $100bn of economic losses from weather related events last year. Multi-billion pound UK investments are wrapped up in infrastructure, technology, retail, food and energy sectors, making this an issue on everyone's doorstep.”?