SOUTHAMPTON has seen a 50 per cent drop in carbon dioxide emissions since 2005.

New data from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero show carbon dioxide (CO2) in Southampton have dropped 52.3 per cent since 2005 – when the data was first available, as 1,386ktCO2 (kilotonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent) fell to 662ktCO2 in 2021.

The figures cover emissions “within the scope of influence” of Southampton City Council, excluding pollution from sources such as motorways and industrial plants.

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In a statement, a spokesperson for Southampton City Council said: “The reductions experienced to date reflect national changes in the way we generate energy, with a shift from high pollution sources of energy like coal to fewer polluting sources like gas and an increasing role for renewables.

“The UK government reported that in the first quarter of this year renewable energy sources were responsible for a record 47.8% share of total electricity generation in the UK whilst there was a 10% decrease in the generation from fossil fuels. Meanwhile local measures are reducing are dependency on fossil fuels and ensuring we use energy more efficiently.

“Southampton City Council, like many other organisations has been investing in such measures. Last year we installed over 130 new solar panels and introduced energy efficiency measures across several of our buildings, delivering both significant carbon reductions and financial savings.”

They added: “There is still a long way to go.  It has been estimated that the city needs to decrease carbon emissions by 62% by 2025 to keep us on track with the UK government targets.  Transport is one the city's most significant sources, contributing to almost a third of the total emissions.  

“Sustainable and active travel solution are helping to reduce these levels and the introduction of electric vehicles can also help.  

“Southampton City Council, University of Southampton and public participation charity Involve, are looking for residents to participate in the shaping the Citizens Assembly on climate change and transport.

“We are at the planning stages right now and are seeking input from residents and businesses to help shape our approach and to get a broad range of perspectives to help form what the Southampton Citizens’ Climate Assembly will look like going forward.”