An annual report on behalf of the devolved administration in Northern Ireland states greenhouse gas emissions in the country have fallen by 13% since 1990.
AEA Technology's "Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report" reported on six greenhouse gases, namely carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulphur hexafluoride. Emissions of all the gases, except sulphur hexafluoride, were seen to fall in Northern Ireland during 1990 - 2007. The report also states that carbon dioxide emissions decreased by 9% in the same period. The main reasons were said to be from falls in emissions from electricity supply, waste management, agriculture and domestic use.
Moreover, changes in power generation are said to be one of the most important factors in the reductions, particularly the supply of natural gas to industrial, commercial and domestic users. In 1996, the largest power station in Northern Ireland, Ballylumford, was converted from oil to use natural gas, which is less polluting. Environment Minister Edwin Poots claimed, "These falling figures are evidence that we are all becoming more environmentally aware and I wish to commend everyone who has played their part in helping to continue the downward trend in these harmful emissions. Targets on reductions in greenhouse gas emissions set by the Executive are also now well on track to be met."
However, the Green Party said the Northern Ireland reduction was less than the other three UK regions. The party's Brian Wilson said, "Since 1990 we have only seen a drop of 9% in carbon dioxide emissions, which compares badly, considering we need to achieve 80% reduction by 2050. I think Minister Poots needs to set targets for the next five years, only then can we truly measure our reduction successes."
