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Tony Blair
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Blair, Tony (3)
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To ask the Prime Minister, what discussions he had on the issue of climate change and Kyoto with the Australian Prime Minister during the recent Commonwealth talks; and if he will make a statement on climate change negotiations, with particular reference to Kyoto.
To ask the Prime Minister, what discussions he had on the issue of climate change and Kyoto with the Australian Prime Minister during the recent Commonwealth talks; and if he will make a statement on climate change negotiations, with particular reference to Kyoto.
Asked by
Simon Thomas
(Plaid Cymru)
Answered by
Tony Blair
(Labour)
Answering body
Prime Minister
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
13 March 2002
For answer on
20 March 2002
Answered on
20 March 2002
Mr. Simon Thomas: To ask the Prime Minister what discussions he had on the issue of climate change and Kyoto with the Australian
Prime Minister during the recent Commonwealth talks; and if he will make a statement on climate change negotiations, with particular
reference to Kyoto. [44051]
The Prime Minister: The issue of climate change was discussed at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting where the final
communique stated "Head of Government expressed concern about the consequences of global warming and climate change, especially for
the vulnerable small island states and other low-lying areas".
I firmly believe that the Kyoto Protocol remains the only workable basis to take forward international action to tackle climate
change. We intend to ratify the Protocol in time for it to enter into force by the World Summit on Sustainable Development. A
European Community decision to ratify Kyoto, which paved the way for the UK and the other EU member states to complete their own
ratification procedures, was adopted on 4 March. On 7 March, the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs made
a statement to the House setting in motion the process of UK ratification of the Protocol, which will be completed on or shortly
after 19 April. UK And EU ratification of the Kyoto Protocol will send an important message to the world that we are committed to
the Protocol and to tackling climate change.
Subjects
Climate; Australia; Environment protection; International cooperation; Treaties; Climate Change Convention; Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
Date
20 March 2002
Reference
44051; 382 c325-6W;382 c323-4W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his Answer to the honourable Member for Eccles of 21st June, Official Report, column 1W, if he will provide details of the new high-level group on climate change.
To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his Answer to the honourable Member for Eccles of 21st June, Official Report, column 1W, if he will provide details of the new high-level group on climate change.
Asked by
Llew Smith
(Labour)
Answered by
Tony Blair
(Labour)
Answering body
Prime Minister
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
27 June 2001
For answer on
3 July 2001
Answered on
3 July 2001
Llew Smith: To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Eccles (Ian Stewart) of 21 June 2001, Official
Report, column 1W, if he will provide details of the new high-level group on climate change. [1774]
The Prime Minister: The EU-US summit of 14 June agreed to a proposal by the EU Presidency to establish a high-level group on climate
change. I understand that a mandate for the group has not been finalised, but that it is envisaged that it will act as a channel for
the EU and US to exchange information and maintain contact on important climate change issues. It is envisaged that the EU would be
represented by the Troika.
Subjects
Climate; Environment protection; European Union; International cooperation; USA
Date
3 July 2001
Reference
1774; 371 c92W
House
House of Commons
Statement on the outcome of the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on Sustainable Development.
Statement on the outcome of the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on Sustainable Development.
Asked by
Lord Corbett of Castle Vale
(Labour)
Answered by
Tony Blair
(Labour)
Answering body
Prime Minister
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
3 July 1997
Answered on
3 July 1997
Mr. Corbett: To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the outcome of the United Nations General Assembly Special
Session on Sustainable Development. [6460]
The Prime Minister: The Special Session reviewed the progress made on sustainable development since the Rio Earth Summit in 1992.
One of the most important problems discussed was the need to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and thus limit the
problems caused by climate change. In my address to the General Assembly, I urged other developed countries to recognise their
responsibilities in this area, by pointing to the example that the United Kingdom and other European Union countries have already
set. Later in the week, President Clinton acknowledged the role of the European Union in focusing the debate on this issue, and gave
his personal commitment of significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. I expect this to be translated into action at Kyoto.
Unfortunately, the agreement at Special Session on climate change did not have the specific commitment to reductions that we had
sought. Much hard negotiating work remains to be done, but the UK will continue to make every effort to get developed countries to
agree legally binding targets for significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at Kyoto in December.
I also emphasised the UK Government's commitment to reversing the decline in Britain's development assistance and improving its
quality by refocusing our efforts in eradicating poverty. Although some other developed countries could not go as far as the UK, the
meeting stressed the need to increase aid towards the UN target of 0.7 per cent. and pledged to negotiate a satisfactory
replenishment of the Global Environment Facility. We cannot expect the poorest countries to take action themselves, if the developed
world is not more constructive about its aid programmes.
The continuing threat to the world's forests was a key issue for the Special Session. Although the European Union pressed hard for a
Convention on forests, we were unable to secure agreement from other major countries. Nonetheless the establishment of an
Intergovernmental Forum on Forests is a good step forward. The Forum will report in 1999 on the possible elements of a Forest
Convention, and will also consider finance and trade issues. In addition it will monitor implementation of the Intergovernmental
Panel on Forests 1997 report, which contained over a hundred action points. As the United Kingdom's contribution to this effort, I
announced that the United Kingdom intended to adopt a new Forest Standard to provide a benchmark for the regeneration of our
forests. I also promised an increase in our development assistance for forestry management.
Together with our partners from the European Union, we have secured agreement for a plan of action to provide universal access to
clean water and sanitation. One fifth of the world has no access to clean water and one half has no proper sanitation, so a new
initiative is urgently needed. A series of meetings will take place to prepare for the 1998 meeting of the Commission on Sustainable
Development when there will be negotiations on the plan. A successful outcome of these negotiations will be a key objective for our
presidency.
The European Union pressed for international action on sustainable energy management, and was successful in securing commitment to
preparatory discussions in advance of the debate on energy in the 2001 session of the Commission on Sustainable Development. There
was also agreement on the importance of energy management for both developed and developing countries, and on the need for energy
prices to reflect their true environmental costs, as well as a gradual elimination of subsidies that inhibit sustainable
development. The Special Session confirmed the importance of promoting integrated transport policies, since transport is the largest
end user of energy in developed countries and the fastest growing one in most developing countries.
Under strong pressure from the European Union the Special Session agreed that the possibility of an aviation fuel tax should remain
on the international agenda. Studies will continue in international fora, especially the International Civil Aviation Organisation,
on the use of economic instruments for the mitigation of the negative impacts of aviation.
Lastly, the European Union ensured that there would be further work at a global level to address the problems facing the world's
oceans, especially the depletion of fish stocks.
There were also discussions on the financial implications of the Convention on Desertification. We supported the conclusion that the
Convention should help channel existing resources more effectively, but should not create a new and dedicated fund.
In conclusion a number of modest but positive steps were made at the Special Session. Nevertheless much remains to be done, and the
UK will continue to use its best endeavours to pursue these issues in the months to come.
The United Kingdom delegation included people representing the broad range of sustainable development interests in the UK, and
dependent territories. As a result of our strong commitment and constructive approach, the UK has now established itself as one of
the leading players in international negotiations on sustainable development.
I will place a copy of the final text of the document in the Library as soon as it is available.
Subjects
Climate; Aviation; Conservation; Air pollution; Climate change; Development aid; Environment; Energy; Fuels; Forests; Fish; Protection; Policy; Prices; Water supply; Treaties; Transport; Sustainable development; Sanitation; Climate Change Convention; UN General Assembly special sessions; Global Environment Facility; Deserts; Intergovernmental Forum on Forests
Date
3 July 1997
Reference
6460; 297 c233-5W
House
House of Commons