Written question asked by Peter Law (Independent (affiliation)) on Monday, 6 February 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 February 2006. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Thursday, 16 February 2006 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Climate Change

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her assessment is of the most cost-effective way to mitigate the projected climate change set out in the document Avoiding Dangerous Climate Change, published by her Department on 30 January.

Answer: The most effective way to mitigate the effects of climate change described in Avoiding Dangerous Climate Change is by a response as broadly based as possible. This needs to involve adaptation as well as emissions reduction. Emissions reduction should address all anthropogenic greenhouse gases and all economic sectors, including reduction of emissions from deforestation, and there should be enhancement of the uptake and storage of carbon by forests and soils. It will be most cost effective if action to limit and reduce emissions extends to the greatest possible number of countries, consistent with the principle of common but differentiated responsibility set out in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol. The framework provided by the Convention and the Protocol will facilitate function of market mechanisms which promote cost effectiveness.

Secondary information