§ Ms. ShortTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what proportion, in carbon dioxide equivalent, of the United Kingdom's contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions arises from methane emissions; and whether he plans to introduce a strategy to reduce emissions of methane gas.
§ Mr. MacleanThe most recent edition of the "Digest of Environmental Protection and Water Statistics" estimates United Kingdom methane emissions in 1990 at 4.371 million tonnes. The direct global warming effect of these emissions is estimated at around 7 per cent. of that of United Kingdom emissions of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. Indirect effects add to methane's relative contribution; the intergovernmental panel on climate change estimates that these could be of similar magnitude to the direct effect. The estimate of United Kingdom methane emissions is currently under review.
The UN framework convention on climate change requires developed country parties to draw up a programme of measures aimed at returning emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, including methane, to their 1990 levels by 2000. We are aiming to produce the United Kingdom's first national programme under the convention by the end of this year.