Reading is one of the top performing areas for reducing carbon emissions over the last ten years.

Carbon emissions have been reduced by 45 per cent from 2007 to 2017, which puts Reading in the top 25 performing areas in the UK.

People in Reading produce around 3.4 tonnes on average, according to the latest government figures.

This means Reading produces the ninth lowest amount per person in the south east and 48th lowest in the UK.

Councillor Tony Page, lead member for Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport, said: “These figures confirm what we already know – that Reading is one of the UK’s front runners when it comes to reducing its carbon footprint.

“This year the council has declared a Climate Emergency committing to work together with partners to deliver a carbon neutral borough by 2030.

“The council continues to lead by example, with figures showing that we have reduced our own emissions by 53 per cent since 2008/9.

“We must increase our pace of change however, in order to reach a carbon neutral position by 2030.”

In the south east, only New Forest and Gravesham have decreased their carbon emissions by a higher percentage but both areas have higher levels of emissions.

While Reading is in the top ten for lowest emissions in the south east, New Forest and Gravesham boith sit outside the top 30.

Reading’s neighbours in West Berkshire are currently third worst in the south east for carbon emissions, with 8.16 tonnes of carbon per person.

South Bucks are bottom in the south east with 11.1 tonnes per capita.

The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warned in October 2018 that there are just 12 years left to get climate change under control.