New Cumbria coalmine likely to break UK’s climate pledge, analysis says

Whitehaven colliery will release about 17,500 tonnes of methane every year, estimates thinktank

The new coalmine in Cumbria is likely to prevent the UK from meeting its internationally agreed commitment to reduce emissions of the powerful greenhouse gas methane, analysis has suggested.

The Whitehaven colliery, controversially approved by ministers shortly before Christmas, will release about 17,500 tonnes of methane every year, according to estimates from the Green Alliance thinktank.