UK carbon emissions drop to lowest level since 19th century, study finds

Ditching dirty coal benefits environment as gas and renewables increase their share in electricity generation

The UK's carbon dioxide emissions have fallen to their lowest level since the 19th century as coal use continues to plummet, analysis suggests.

Emissions of the major greenhouse gas fell almost 6% year on year in 2016, after the use of coal for electricity more than halved to record lows, according to the Carbon Brief website, which reports on climate science and energy policy.