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Dept of Trade and Industry

Answer

Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what definition she uses of a low carbon economy; and what the Government's policy is on a low carbon economy. [60050] Mr. Wilson: [holding answer 13 June 2002]: The UK's Climate Change Programme, issued in November 2000, sets out the Government's approach to the challenge. It is estimated that the proposals in the programme could reduce UK greenhouse gas emissions to about 23 per cent. below 1990 levels in 2010. This is well beyond the Kyoto target. Longer term, the Government believe that global emissions of greenhouse gases may need to be reduced by 60 per cent. to 70 per cent. if we are to avoid dangerous climate change. This will require a major transformation in the way we generate and use energy--essentially a move away from the substantial use of fossil fuels emitting greenhouse gases into the atmosphere to a low carbon economy. The possible nature of such an economy and the means for achieving it was one of the issues considered in the Performance and Innovation Unit's Energy Review report to Government. The Government are currently consulting on the Energy Review and the responses to the consultation will help to shape an energy White Paper, by around the turn of the year.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

60050; 387 c27-8W

Session

2001-02

Subjects

Climate Air pollution Climate change Carbon Environment protection Pollution control Renewable energy

Contains statistics

Yes

Link

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