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Climate Change: Carbon Dioxide Emissions

Answer

A recent report, funded by Defra, estimated that between 1992 and 2004 worldwide carbon dioxide emissions associated with UK consumption of goods and services (including international transportation) rose by about 115 million tonnes, or roughly 18 per cent, from about 647 million tonnes in 1992 to about 762 million tonnes in 2004. This has resulted chiefly from an increase in the total volume and diversity of products and services being consumed, and from a movement of manufacturing from the UK to countries where manufacturing is more carbon-intensive. As agreed internationally at UN level, the UK reports on, and is responsible for, greenhouse gas emissions occurring within its territory. By this measure, UK emissions of all greenhouse gases fell by roughly 16 per cent between 1990 and 2006 and carbon dioxide emissions fell by about 6 cent. The UK has no direct influence over emissions occurring beyond its territory, and cutting trade with more carbon-intensive (often poorer) economies would have serious, mutual impacts on economic growth.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

5241; 703 c391WA

Session

2007-08

Notes

Answer received between Tuesday 9 September and Monday 15 September 2008

Subjects

Carbon emissions Greenhouse gas emissions

Contains statistics

Yes

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk