REDUCTION in greenhouse gas emissions in Northern Ireland have slowed to just one per cent, according to latest statistics.
Figures released by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) reveal that the north's emissions in 2019 were estimated to be 21.4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.
While this was a decrease of one per cent compared with 2018, it is 1.4 million tonnes more than was recorded in 2017.
Statisticians said the increase is because "a major revision of the measurement of UK emissions has been included in this year's greenhouse gas inventory".
This `wetlands supplement' has led to "an upward shift" in the overall emissions from those previously reported.
The overall longer term trend shows it has effectively stalled at a decrease of 18 per cent compared to the base year in 1990.
By contrast Scotland and England reduced emissions by 45 per cent and 44 per cent respectively and Wales by 31 per cent.
The largest sectors in terms of emissions in 2019 remained agriculture, although at 26 per cent this represents a one per cent fall.
Transport is the next largest emitter at 20 per cent (preciously 23 per cent) and residential which accounts for 14 per cent (previously 17 per cent).
The largest falls were in the energy supply, waste management and residential sectors, with the energy and residential sectors switching from coal to natural gas.
Meanwhile landfill management has introduced methane capture and oxidation systems.
The full statistical bulletin is at: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/northern-ireland-greenhouse-gas-inventory
