Written question asked by Jeremy Corbyn (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 15 October 1996. It was answered by James Clappison (Conservative) on Tuesday, 15 October 1996 on behalf of the Department of the Environment.

Dept of the Environment

Question: What action is being taken by his Department to meet its objectives in respect of carbon dioxide reductions. (Failed OPQ)

Answer: Mr. Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what new responses he plans to combat global warming (a) in the United Kingdom and (b) via international initiatives. [38377] Mr. Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action is being taken by his Department to meet its objectives in respect of carbon dioxide reductions. [38378] Mr. Clappison: I am pleased to say that the UK is on target to meet the Rio commitment to return greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2000 and we expect carbon dioxide emissions to be 4 to 8 per cent below 1990 levels. This achievement reflects the impact of measures set out in the UK climate change programme and the progress report on carbon dioxide emissions. However, there is no room for complacency. The UK is one of only a handful of states which will meet the Rio commitment and, by the next climate change conference in December 1997, we need to have agreed significant reductions in emissions beyond 2000. That is why I have called on other states to agree to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 5 to 10 per cent below 1990 levels by 2010.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 38378; 282 c843W;282 c841W
Session: 1995-96
Question not reached: Yes
Subjects: Climate Air pollution Climate change Carbon dioxide Pollution control