Population growth, fossil fuel burning, and deforestation are all factors, which have contributed, in recent years to altering the mixture of gases emitted into the Earth's atmosphere. Some of these gases, known as greenhouse gases, have become concentrated within the atmosphere leading to increases in the Earth's average temperature and causing our climate to change.

The UK is responsible for the emission of 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions even though it only has 1% of the world's population. UK energy industries are the largest single contributors to UK greenhouse gas emissions, contributing over a third (54 million tonnes) of the total amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted in the UK. At the same time, the energy industry is relying on finite, diminishing and potentially insecure sources of fossil fuel such as coal, oil and gas. Currently around 80% of the UK's electricity supply comes from these sources, with an additional 15.6% being generated by the nuclear power sector.

The UK Governments Response

Renewable energy is seen by the UK Government as vital to helping cut harmful CO2 emissions, as set out by the Climate Change Programme and subsequent Energy White Paper, which states that by 2010,

Renewable energy should be contributing 10% of the UK's electricity supply, and aim to double this by 2020, thus helping the country reach its ambitious target of UK carbon emission reductions.

In April 2002, the Government introduced the Renewables Obligation which calls on all licensed electricity suppliers in England & Wales to supply a specified and growing proportion of their electricity sales from a choice of eligible renewable sources, and provides financial incentives for them.

Renewable Energy and the Dorset Coast Forum

As part of the process to develop a Dorset Coast Forum position on renewable energy, a Topic Paper has been prepared which was published in 2004. For full details follow the link.