HC Deb 08 July 1996 vol 281 cc50-1W
Ms Roseanna Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the Government's current target for reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. [35900]

Mr. Clappison

The United Kingdom is committed under the framework convention on climate change to return emissions of all greenhouses gases to 1990 levels by the year 2000. We are on course to meet these commitments and expect emissions of carbon dioxide to be 4 to 8 per cent. below 1990 levels by 2000.

At the June meeting of the Environment Council, European Environment Ministers agreed to call on all developed countries to make significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in the period after 2000. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment has called for developed countries to agree to reduce their total greenhouse gas emissions to between 5 and 10 per cent. below 1990 levels by 2010.

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