Jersey emissions fell 1% over a year, report says

Greenhouse gas emissions fell by 1% in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to a government report.

The latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory Guide for Jersey found total emissions fell to 342,589 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, with road transport remaining the island's largest source of emissions at 26.5%.

Aviation and shipping accounted for 20.7% of emissions, while residential energy use contributed 17.5%.

According to the report, the largest reductions were recorded in land use, land-use change and forestry - which fell by 48% - and agriculture which dropped by 6.5%.

The guide provides an overview of greenhouse gas emissions and removals between 1990 and 2024.

The report was compiled by environmental consultancy Aether on behalf of the Government of Jersey and forms part of the evidence used to monitor progress towards the island's climate targets.

The report said it was intended to improve understanding of Jersey's "key sources of emissions, trends in these key sources and their potential for future emissions reductions".

The report said emissions from power generation increased by 6.3% over the same period, while emissions linked to shipping and aviation rose by 0.7%.

The guide said transport-related emissions were a major contributor overall, with road transport, aviation and shipping together making up 47.2% of emissions.

Residential energy use was responsible for 17.5% of emissions, while commercial and industrial energy use accounted for 10.6%. Power generation contributed 10.4%.

Elsewhere, agriculture represented 5.5% of emissions, industrial processes and product use 3.8%, and waste 3.6%.

Jersey declared a climate emergency in 2019 and has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

The report noted the States Assembly adopted a Carbon Neutral Roadmap in 2022, setting targets to reduce emissions by 68% by 2030 and 78% by 2035 compared with 1990 levels.

According to the guide, inventory data is used by the government "as an evidence base" to assess progress towards net-zero policies and help inform future decision-making.

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