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To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make a statement on the outcome of the Climate Change Conference in New Delhi; and if she will place in the Library copies of (a) the United Kingdom submissions, (b) other nations' submissions relevant to...
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make a statement on the outcome of the Climate Change Conference in New Delhi; and if she will place in the Library copies of (a) the United Kingdom submissions, (b) other nations' submissions relevant to...
Asked by
Llew Smith
(Labour)
Answered by
Michael Meacher
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
5 November 2002
For answer on
7 November 2002
Answered on
7 November 2002
Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make a statement on the outcome of
the Climate Change Conference in New Delhi; and if she will place in the Library copies of (a) the United Kingdom submissions, (b)
other nations' submissions relevant to UK policy and (c) the text of the final communique«. [80349]
Mr. Meacher: There were two main outcomes from the Eighth Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC), held in New Delhi, India from 23 October to 1 November 2002.
The first was that good progress was made on several technical issues which are key to building the architecture for effective
implementation of the Kyoto Protocol.
The first report of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Executive Board, established at COP7 in Marrakech, was approved. This will
allow for the prompt start of the CDM and projects should start to come through the system next year. This should result in
investment benefits for developing countries and help developed countries meet their Kyoto commitments. Work on how to include
afforestation and reforestation projects under the CDM continued and is on track for agreement on schedule at COP10.
The final element of the guidelines on the reporting and review of accounting for total emissions under Marrakech Accords (the rules
implementing Kyoto) was agreed. Regular reporting and review is essential, for transparency in the system and to ensure that parties
are keeping to detailed trading rules.
There were also productive discussions on legal and institutional matters, in particular on how the first meeting of the Kyoto
Protocol governing body should be convened in conjunction with the Convention governing body.
Guidance was also agreed on how developing countries should report information to the COP in their national communications. This is
essential for assessing the size of the global problem and as a basis for informing decisions on future action. Guidance was also
agreed for the new funds agreed in Bonn and Marrakech last year.
The second outcome was the Delhi Declaration on climate change and sustainable development. Negotiations on the text were dominated
by the developing country concerns of vulnerability to climate change and the fneed for countries to adapt to it effects, and by
their reluctance to initiate a process for considering what more needs to be done by the international community until greater
progress has been made in implementing existing commitments under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto
Protocol. The final text was therefore less forward-looking than we and our EU partners would have liked. Nevertheless, the
Declaration makes important points about setting climate change in the context of sustainable development and puts a welcome focus
on the needs of developing countries in trying to adapt to climate change.
There were no UK submissions on issues discussed in New Delhi because the EU negotiates as a block in the UNFCCC. Denmark, which
currently holds the Presidency, made submissions on behalf of all Member States. I have today placed copies of all EU submissions
relevant to UK policy in the library, along with those from other Parties to the UNFCCC on the same subjects, and a copy of the
final text of the Delhi Declaration. When they are available, I will also place copies of the formal EU statements made during the
conference in the Library.
Subjects
Climate; Climate change; Carbon dioxide; Developing countries; EU countries; Pollution control; Sustainable development; Climate Change Convention; Conferences; Developed countries
Date
7 November 2002
Reference
80349; 392 c577-8W;392 c589-90W
House
House of Commons
Statement on what the outcome was of the Environment Council on 17th October; what the Government's stance was on each issue discussed, including its voting record; and if she will make a statement. - Including figures.
Statement on what the outcome was of the Environment Council on 17th October; what the Government's stance was on each issue discussed, including its voting record; and if she will make a statement. - Including figures.
Asked by
Michael Connarty
(Labour)
Answered by
Baroness Beckett
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
17 October 2002
For answer on
7 November 2002
Answered on
7 November 2002
Mr. Connarty: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what was the outcome of the Environment Council
on 17 October; what the Government's stance was on each issue discussed, including its voting record; and if she will make a
statement. [76395]
Margaret Beckett: I represented the UK at Environment Council on 17 October, accompanied by Mr. Ross Finnie, the Scottish Executive
Minister for Environment and Rural Development. This was the first Environment Council of the Danish Presidency. It was also the
first to be held under the Council's new rules of procedure, which provide that final debates and votes on legislative proposals
subject to co-decision with the European Parliament are held in public. The Council reached political agreement on 3 proposals and
made progress on a range of other important issues.
The Council reached political agreement on a Common Position on the revision of the EC Directive on packaging and packaging waste,
which was along the lines of the general approach adopted at June Council. I strongly supported this proposal, which sets targets
for recovery and recycling that the UK will find challenging, but achievable. These include a minimum 60 per cent. recovery target
and recycling targets between 55-70 per cent., with a 2008 deadline for implementation. The only opposition was from Belgium and the
Netherlands, who would have preferred even more demanding targets.
Political agreement was reached on the ``Seveso II'' Directive, which I also supported. This modifies the existing Directive on the
prevention and control of major accident hazards involving dangerous substances. It introduces new controls on hazardous sites
across the EU. Obligations will be placed on industrial operators to put into effect Safety Management Systems and detailed risk
assessments, as well as to provide information to the public.
Political agreement was also reached on a Regulation to complete implementation of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in relation
to transboundary movements of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) from the Community. Along with the Commission, I argued that the
Regulation should be as closely consistent with the Protocol as possible. After lengthy negotiations we secured significant
improvements to the text, namely that the form of identification of GMOs in mixed bulk shipments should be consistent with other EC
legislation, including existing legislation on the release of GMOs and the forthcoming proposed Regulation on traceability and
labelling. Furthermore, express consent from the importer will be required for the first international transboundary movement of GM
material. On the basis of the improved text I was able to support the political agreement.
There was a short discussion on the proposed Regulation on traceability and labelling of GMOs in products. This focussed on links
with a proposal to cover GMOs in food and feed, which had been discussed at Agriculture Council earlier in the same week. There is
still some way to go before Member States can reach political agreement, and Council requested that the Committee of Permanent
Representatives (Coreper) continue to work on this dossier.
There was an orientation debate concerning the proposed directive on emissions trading, with a view to being in a position to seek
political agreement at the December Council. I strongly supported the scheme but pressed for flexibility during the first period, in
order to allow it to interact more easily with national schemes, such as the UK's successful existing regime, and allow inclusion of
other sectors and gases.
Council adopted conclusions on the implementation of the EU Sustainable Development Strategy. This included follow-up to
environment-related commitments from the Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development. It called for a strengthening of the
Cardiff process of integrating environmental considerations into EU business, and adopted a set of environment-related indicators
which it recommended for inclusion in the Commission's report to the Spring European Council. The Conclusions include reference to
the need, also accepted by the Agriculture and Fisheries Council on the 15 October, to take account of EU commitments made at the
WTO meeting in Doha and at Johannesburg in considering the future of the Common Agriculture Policy and Common Fisheries Policy.
Council Conclusions on climate change were adopted, without discussion, defining the EU's negotiating position for the 8 Conference
of the Parties to the UN Convention on Climate Change in New Delhi. The Conclusions call for all Annex 1 developed countries which
accepted the comprehensive and balanced Kyoto agreement reached in Bonn and Marrakech last year to ratify the Kyoto Protocol as soon
as possible so as to achieve its entry into force in the near future. Developed countries which do not intend to ratify are urged to
meet their responsibilities under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and to return their emissions to 1990 levels. The
Conclusions also recall the ultimate objective of the Convention--to achieve stabilisation of greenhouse gas emissions in the
atmosphere at a safe level and call upon all states to engage in a dialogue with a view to initiating at the 8 Conference of the
Parties a process for further action under the Convention and the Protocol.
We were able to support the negotiating mandate for the EC for the 12 Conference of the Parties to CITES (Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species) and were pleased to see it agreed without amendment. There was unanimous support for the
UK's proposal to list the Basking Shark in Appendix II, and unanimous agreement to oppose the Japanese proposal to downlist two
species of whales (Minke and Bryde's whales), which would effectively reopen trade in the species.
The Council took note of progress on the proposed Environmental Liability Directive. The Presidency indicated that political
agreement would not be possible at the December Council, as the European Parliament's first reading is not expected until spring
2003. The Presidency updated Council on the proposed Regulation on the monitoring of forests (Forest Focus) which aims to establish
a Community scheme to assess forest ecosystem conditions. The Presidency also updated Council on two inter-related proposals, a
Regulation and a Council Decision, to implement the Rotterdam Convention on a Prior Informed Consent procedure for certain hazardous
chemicals and pesticides in international trade. On the Regulation, a compromise package has been approved in Coreper and has been
forwarded to the European Parliament.
Under any other business, the Commission presented a report on mercury from the Chlor-Alkali industry, which followed a request from
the Council in June 2001 to clarify the legal situation. The Greek delegation presented the outcome of the Euro-Med conference that
took place in Athens on 10 July 2002. The German delegation made a statement on the financing of the European Committee for
Standardisation Environmental Helpdesk. The French delegation started an exchange of views on possible European action in the field
of flood prevention. In relation to this the Commission informed Council that a Communication on an integrated strategy on
prevention, preparation and response to natural and technological risks is under preparation. Austria and Ireland made a joint
statement on nuclear power in the context of sustainable development. Finally, the Danish delegation presented the results of a
meeting of EU nature and forest Directors, which took place in Vigso, Denmark on 2-4 October 2002.
Subjects
Animals; Common fisheries policy; Accidents; Climate change; Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species; Animal feed; Chemicals; Biotechnology; Flood control; Environment protection; Genetically modified organisms; Hazardous substances; Food; Labelling; Forests; EU action; Floods; Pollution; Nuclear power; Nature conservation; Pollution control; Recycling; Packaging; Transport; Safety; Sustainable development; Waste disposal; Waste; Common agricultural policy; Gases; Mercury; EU Environment Council
Date
7 November 2002
Reference
76395; 392 c560-2W;392 c572-4W
House
House of Commons
Whether the Export Credits Guarantee Dept has since 1997 supported (a) coal-fired power stations in Malaysia to the extent of £500 million; (b) coal-fired power stations in China to the extent of £200 million; and (c) coal-fired power stations in Zimbabwe and Turkey; and if so, whether this support is...
Whether the Export Credits Guarantee Dept has since 1997 supported (a) coal-fired power stations in Malaysia to the extent of £500 million; (b) coal-fired power stations in China to the extent of £200 million; and (c) coal-fired power stations in Zimbabwe and Turkey; and if so, whether this support is...
Asked by
Lord Williams of Elvel
(Labour)
Answered by
Lord Sainsbury of Turville
(Labour)
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
7 November 2002
Answered on
7 November 2002
Subjects
Air pollution; Climate change; Coal fired power stations; China; Export credit guarantees; Pollution control; Malaysia; Climate Change Convention; Turkey; Zimbabwe
Date
7 November 2002
Reference
640 c133-4WA; HL 6288
House
House of Lords
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what her assessment is of the change in carbon dioxide emissions that will result from households switching to digital television and the use of set-top boxes; what progress has been made (a) on the Government sustainability index on...
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what her assessment is of the change in carbon dioxide emissions that will result from households switching to digital television and the use of set-top boxes; what progress has been made (a) on the Government sustainability index on...
Asked by
Lord Barker of Battle
(Conservative)
Answered by
Michael Meacher
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
22 October 2002
For answer on
7 November 2002
Answered on
7 November 2002
Subjects
Air pollution; Climate change; Carbon dioxide; Digital technology; Environment protection; Pollution control; Television
Date
7 November 2002
Reference
392 c842W;392 c701-2W; 77475;77462
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to ensure atmospherically friendly products are being promoted as a preferable option to fire extinguishing systems which contain HFCs. - (Holding answer 28 October 2002).
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to ensure atmospherically friendly products are being promoted as a preferable option to fire extinguishing systems which contain HFCs. - (Holding answer 28 October 2002).
Asked by
Lord Bruce of Bennachie
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Michael Meacher
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
23 October 2002
For answer on
7 November 2002
Answered on
7 November 2002
Subjects
Air pollution; Climate change; Hydrofluorocarbons; Fire extinguishers; Pollution control; Ozone layer; Halons
Date
7 November 2002
Reference
77565; 392 c846W;392 c705-6W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the climate change impact will be of the refrigerant to be used in the air conditioning in his Department's new building in Marsham Street. - Will write.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the climate change impact will be of the refrigerant to be used in the air conditioning in his Department's new building in Marsham Street. - Will write.
Asked by
Jane Griffiths
(Labour)
Answered by
Baroness Hughes of Stretford
(Labour)
Answering body
Home Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
24 September 2002
For answer on
7 November 2002
Answered on
7 November 2002
Jane Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the climate change impact will be of the refrigerant to
be used in the air conditioning in his Department's new building in Marsham Street. [74757]
Beverley Hughes: I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library.
Subjects
Climate change; Buildings; Home Office; Air conditioning
Date
7 November 2002
Reference
392 c824-5W;392 c855-6W; 74757
House
House of Commons
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, What assessment he has made of the need for further changes to the taxation system to help deliver reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. (Failed OPQ)
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, What assessment he has made of the need for further changes to the taxation system to help deliver reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. (Failed OPQ)
Asked by
Gareth Thomas
(Labour; Co-operative Party)
Answered by
John Healey
(Labour)
Answering body
Treasury
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
24 October 2002
For answer on
7 November 2002
Answered on
7 November 2002
Mr. Gareth R Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the need for further changes to the
taxation system to help deliver reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. [78252]
John Healey: The Government have introduced a range of fiscal measures to tackle carbon emissions, including the Climate Change
Levy, and reforms to both Vehicle Excise Duty, fuel duties and the taxation of company cars. The Chancellor considers all relevant
social, economic and environmental factors when deciding taxation policy.
Subjects
Climate change; Climate change levy; Excise duties; Fuels; Pollution control; Taxation
Date
7 November 2002
Reference
78252; 392 c741W;392 c770W
House
House of Commons
Type
Select Committee reports; House of Commons papers;
Parliamentary committees
Committee
European Scrutiny Committee
Notes
Received 25.11.02
Subjects
Climate change; Environment protection; Exhaust emissions; EU action; Pollution control
Date
6 November 2002
Reference
HC 152-xli 2001/02
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what progress has been made (a) on the Government sustainability index on climate change and (b) towards the Government's domestic target for a 20 per cent. reduction in CO2 emission based on 1990 levels; and if she will...
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what progress has been made (a) on the Government sustainability index on climate change and (b) towards the Government's domestic target for a 20 per cent. reduction in CO2 emission based on 1990 levels; and if she will...
Asked by
Lord Barker of Battle
(Conservative)
Answered by
Michael Meacher
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
22 October 2002
For answer on
4 November 2002
Answered on
4 November 2002
Subjects
Air pollution; Climate change; Carbon dioxide; Digital technology; Environment protection; Pollution control; Television
Date
4 November 2002
Reference
77462; 392 (Not in Daily Part);392 c94W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what her estimate is of the number of wind turbines which will be needed in the British Isles to meet the Kyoto commitments on sustainable energy. - Inc figures.
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what her estimate is of the number of wind turbines which will be needed in the British Isles to meet the Kyoto commitments on sustainable energy. - Inc figures.
Asked by
Phil Sawford
(Labour)
Answered by
Brian Wilson
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
24 October 2002
For answer on
31 October 2002
Answered on
31 October 2002
Phil Sawford: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what her estimate is of the number of wind turbines which will be
needed in the British Isles to meet the Kyoto commitments on sustainable energy. [77863]
Mr. Wilson: The policies and measures in the Government's climate change programme should deliver our Kyoto emissions commitment.
The climate change programme includes policies and measures impacting on all sectors of the economy and society, which seek to
reduce emissions attributable both to the production of energy, and to its consumption.
Measures to reduce emissions attributable to energy production include the Renewables Obligation, which places an obligation on
electricity suppliers to source a rising proportion of their total sales from eligible renewable sources. Our target is that 10 per
cent. of licensed electricity supplies will be generated from eligible renewable sources by 2010. Wind power will make an important
contribution to this target, as will other renewable sources of electricity. Achieving this target could result in an estimated
saving of around 2.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions by 2010.
This expansion of renewable energy is however just one part of the Government's wider climate change programme. Other initiatives
include for example the climate change levy on conventional fuels and the UK emissions trading scheme which affect the business
sector. In the domestic sector, the new Energy Efficiency Commitment places new obligations on gas and electricity suppliers to make
energy efficiency improvements; there are also new requirements on local authorities to make proposals to achieve energy efficiency
gains; and the £600 million home energy efficiency scheme provides grants for home insulation and heating improvements to improve
energy savings. On transport, there is the EU-level agreements with the car manufacturers to improve fuel efficiency in new cars,
backed by changes in UK vehicle taxation through company car tax and vehicle excise duty, together with the infrastructure
investment in the 10-year plan to tackle congestion and pollution.
As you may know, energy efficiency was one of the key areas highlighted in the PIU review of energy policy. The Government support
an increasing role for energy efficiency and is formulating a response to be published in the White Paper around the turn of the
year. The role of renewables will also be included in the White Paper.
Subjects
Climate change; Sustainable development; Renewable energy; Wind power; Climate Change Convention; Turbines
Date
31 October 2002
Reference
77863; 391 c978-9W;391 c988-9W
House
House of Commons
Type
Select Committee reports (Government responses); House of Commons papers;
Parliamentary committees
Committee
International Development Committee
Notes
Received 04.11.02
Subjects
Climate; Climate change; Developing countries; Environment protection; International cooperation; Sustainable development
Commons Library location
CS 957
Date
29 October 2002
Reference
HC 1270 2001/02
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to his Answer of 19th September 2002 390 c283W, on climate change, what costs are associated with the UK climate change scenarios; when the results will be published; if she will list the other projects that the...
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to his Answer of 19th September 2002 390 c283W, on climate change, what costs are associated with the UK climate change scenarios; when the results will be published; if she will list the other projects that the...
Asked by
Vincent Cable
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Michael Meacher
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
15 October 2002
For answer on
28 October 2002
Answered on
28 October 2002
Dr. Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to his answer of 19 September 2002,
Official Report, column 283W, on climate change, what costs are associated with the UK climate change scenarios; when the results
will be published; if she will list the other projects that the UK Government is working on in other countries and the associated
costs incurred; and if she will make a statement. [75215]
Mr. Meacher: In April 2002, the Department published the 2002 UK Climate Change Scenarios. The total direct cost of producing these
scenarios was £153,500, covering climate modelling, interpretation of model outputs, and publication and dissemination of research
findings.
The Department is also funding bilateral programmes in India and China. These projects use the outputs of the Hadley Centre's
regional climate model, to investigate the possible impacts of climate change. The India programme is investigating the possible
impact of climate change on water resources, forestry, infrastructure, health, agriculture and the coastal zone, at a total cost of
£650,000 over three years. The China programme is investigating the possible impact of climate change on agriculture, at a total
cost of approximately £400,000 over 2 years.
Subjects
Costs; Climate change; Forecasts
Date
28 October 2002
Reference
75215; 391 c578-9W;391 c574-5W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, by what percentage (a) greenhouse gas and (b) CO2 emissions in 2001 differed from those of 1990 ; and if she will make a statement. - Includes figures.
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, by what percentage (a) greenhouse gas and (b) CO2 emissions in 2001 differed from those of 1990 ; and if she will make a statement. - Includes figures.
Asked by
Vincent Cable
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Michael Meacher
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
15 October 2002
For answer on
22 October 2002
Answered on
22 October 2002
Dr. Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry by what percentage (a) greenhouse gas and (b) CO2 emissions in 2001
differed from those of 1990 ; and if she will make a statement. [75126]
Mr. Meacher: I have been asked to reply.
UK emissions data for the year 2001 will be finalised in March 2003 and submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change in April next year, as required by the UK's international reporting obligations. UK data to the year 2000 reported
and published last March show that total greenhouse gas emissions decreased by some 12.8 per cent. over the period 1990 to 2000.
Carbon dioxide fell by about 7.5 per cent.
Provisional carbon dioxide emissions estimates for 2001 are available. These indicate that emissions have reduced by about 6.1 per
cent. between 1990 and 2001. The increase between 2000 and 2001 is attributed to outside temperature differences and an increase in
coal consumption linked to an increase in gas prices relative to coal prices.
Subjects
Air pollution; Climate change; Carbon dioxide
Date
22 October 2002
Reference
391 c245W; 75126
House
House of Commons
Statement on what representations the Government will make on a timetable to phase in a substantial increase on renewable energy agreed at the World Summit on Sustainable Development; and how this will relate to the 2015 millennium development goals.
Statement on what representations the Government will make on a timetable to phase in a substantial increase on renewable energy agreed at the World Summit on Sustainable Development; and how this will relate to the 2015 millennium development goals.
Asked by
Tony Baldry
(Conservative)
Answered by
Brian Wilson
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
24 September 2002
For answer on
15 October 2002
Answered on
15 October 2002
Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations the Government will make on a timetable to
phase in a substantial increase on renewable energy agreed at the World Summit on Sustainable Development; and how this will relate
to the 2015 millennium development goals. [74619]
Mr. Wilson: At the World Summit on Sustainable Development, the Government supported the European Union proposal that renewables
should contribute 15 per cent. of total energy use by 2010, but, in the event, no specific timetable for the expansion of renewables
was agreed. All parties nevertheless accepted the urgent need to increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global
mix.
The Government's Export Credits Guarantee Department (ECGD) will help developing countries limit greenhouse gas emissions by making
available at least £50 million of cover for creditworthy exports from April 2003 in the renewable energy sector. The ECGD will
participate in an outreach programme, run by DTI's Trade Promoters and the private sector, to stimulate exports of renewable energy
goods to emerging markets to help overcome the low level of renewables applications.
The UK initiated the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP), which aims to foster international collaboration in
order to accelerate the growth of markets in modern renewables and energy efficiency, so as to lower costs and facilitate the
removal of other policy, technology, market and regulatory barriers. We launched this in Johannesburg, and in the coming months the
UK Government shall be working to develop this in conjunction with other partners including the Governments of Brazil, Indonesia,
Italy, Japan and New Zealand, as well as Shell, the UK Business Council for Sustainable Energy and WWF. The REEEP will work to keep
renewable energy and energy efficiency high on the global political agenda.
The Government's renewable energy policy will contribute to section IV of the United Nations Millennium Declaration ``Protecting our
common environment'', to support sustainable development, reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and lessen the threat that
diminishing resources will no longer meet the needs of future generations. As the REEEP objective for lowering the costs of
renewable energy is achieved, renewable energy technologies will become more affordable energy options for the poor. This will
contribute towards improving access to energy services, which is important to achieving the Millennium Development Goals including
the halving of global poverty by 2015.
Domestically, the Government has set a target of obtaining 10 per cent. of our electricity from renewable sources by 2010. Sourcing
10 per cent. of electricity from renewable sources could result in annual savings of around 2.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions
by 2010. The Renewables Obligation, which came into force on 1 April 2002, will provide the driving force for the expansion of
renewable energy in the UK. Licensed electricity suppliers will be required to obtain specified proportions of their electricity
from renewable sources. The proportion will rise each year to reach the 10 per cent. target by 2010.
Increasing the market share of renewable energy is currently being considered in the context of the work being undertaken for the
Government's forthcoming White Paper on the UK's future energy policy. This will be published around the start of 2003.
Subjects
Climate change; Developing countries; Energy; Electricity generation; Electricity; International cooperation; Export credit guarantees; Sustainable development; Renewable energy; World Summit on Sustainable Development
Date
15 October 2002
Reference
390 c673-5W;390 c675-6W; 74619
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what regional climate change scenarios have been modelled by her Department in the last five years; and if she will make a statement. - (Holding answer 22 July 2002).
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what regional climate change scenarios have been modelled by her Department in the last five years; and if she will make a statement. - (Holding answer 22 July 2002).
Asked by
Vincent Cable
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Michael Meacher
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
11 July 2002
For answer on
19 September 2002
Answered on
19 September 2002
Dr. Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what regional climate change scenarios have been
modelled by her Department in the last five years; and if she will make a statement. [70533]
Mr. Meacher: [holding answer 22 July 2002]: In April 2002, the Department launched the 2002 UK Climate Change Scenarios. The
Department funded the development of these scenarios to support the UK Climate Impacts Programme, the purpose of which is to help
public and private sector organisations assess the impact of climate change on their sectors and plan ways of adapting to its
consequences. The new scenarios were produced using a regional climate change model and represent a significant step forward in our
understanding of possible consequences of climate change for different parts of the UK. They replace an earlier set of scenarios
funded by the Department and published in 1998.
The Department is also funding the application of regional climate change models in developing countries to improve our collective
understanding of the effects of climate change, for example through projects with India, China and South Africa.
Additionally, we currently fund (with the Department for International Development) work at the Hadley Centre on a portable Regional
Climate Change Model (PRECIS) which will enable developing countries to carry out their own assessments of how climate change will
affect them.
Subjects
Climate change; Forecasts
Date
19 September 2002
Reference
70533; 390 c283W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, when she will formally reply to the RCEP's recent proposals.
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, when she will formally reply to the RCEP's recent proposals.
Asked by
Lord Barker of Battle
(Conservative)
Answered by
Michael Meacher
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
16 July 2002
For answer on
19 September 2002
Answered on
19 September 2002
Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when she will formally reply to the RCEP's recent proposals.
[71527]
Mr. Meacher: I have been asked to reply.
The Government will respond formally to all the recommendations in the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution's twenty-second
report-- "Energy--the Changing Climate"--alongside publication of the Energy White Paper, which is due around the turn of the year.
Subjects
Climate change; Environment protection; Pollution control; Environmental Pollution Royal Commission
Date
19 September 2002
Reference
71527; 390 c206-7W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent evaluation her Department has carried out on the risk posed to seaside communities by rising sea levels; and if she will make a statement.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent evaluation her Department has carried out on the risk posed to seaside communities by rising sea levels; and if she will make a statement.
Asked by
Greg Knight
(Conservative)
Answered by
Elliot Morley
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
22 July 2002
For answer on
19 September 2002
Answered on
19 September 2002
Mr. Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent evaluation her Department has
carried out on the risk posed to seaside communities by rising sea levels; and if she will make a statement. [72945]
Mr. Morley: The updated National Appraisal of Assets at Risk of Flooding and Coastal Erosion in England and Wales, distributed in
September 2001 by DEFRA, provided a revised comprehensive estimate of risks from flooding and coastal erosion, including a
preliminary assessment of the potential change of impact associated with climate change. The risk to coastal communities was
included in this assessment.
Management of coastal risk from flooding and coastal erosion is informed through the development of Shoreline Management Plans
(SMPs). The earliest of the first round of SMPs is now due for revision. Research by DEFRA to improve understanding of coastal
erosion processes around the coastline of England and Wales will be made available soon to coastal authorities to assist development
of the second round of SMPs. This includes guidance on the likely impact of sea level rise on coastal processes. This improved
understanding will allow an assessment of the likely change of risk to coastal communities as a result of sea level rise to be made
during review of the local SMP.
DEFRA manages the UK Climate Impacts Programme (UKCIP) which reported on regional climate change impact earlier this year. Research
carried out under UKCIP does not suggest that the sea level rise allowances used in the design of flood and coastal erosion
management solutions needs to be changed for the time being.
Subjects
Coastal areas; Climate change; Coastal erosion; Flood control; Floods; Sea level
Date
19 September 2002
Reference
72945; 390 c300W
House
House of Commons
Type
Treaties;
Command papers
Author
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Laid on
6 September 2002
Coming into force
10 January 2002
Notes
Received 06.09.02
Subjects
Air pollution; Climate change; Aerosols; Licensing; Exports; Environment protection; Export controls; Import controls; Imports; Hydrochlorofluorocarbons; Recycling; Ozone layer; Refrigeration; Solvents; Air conditioning; Montreal Protocol
Date
6 September 2002
Reference
Cm 5593;Treaty 36 (2002)
House
House of Commons
Type
Treaties;
Command papers
Author
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Laid on
6 September 2002
Coming into force
25 February 2002
Notes
Received 06.09.02
Subjects
Air pollution; Climate change; Aerosols; Environment protection; Hydrochlorofluorocarbons; Ozone layer; Refrigeration; Solvents; Air conditioning; Montreal Protocol
Date
6 September 2002
Reference
Cm 5594;Treaty 37 (2002)
House
House of Commons
Type
Select Committee reports; House of Commons papers;
Parliamentary committees
Committee
European Scrutiny Committee
Notes
Received 26.07.02
Subjects
Climate change; Environment protection; Exhaust emissions; EU action; Pollution control
Date
17 July 2002
Reference
HC 152-xxxvii 2001/02
House
House of Commons