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23/08/2004
Climate change to top UK's international agenda
Britain will use its influence as head of two major international bodies to boost efforts to combat climate change and pollution, Environment Minister Lord Whitty said today.
Lord Whitty said the UK would use its position as chair of the G8 group of nations next year and its forthcoming EU Presidency to push the climate change agenda at the highest level "in every way we can".
Latest estimates suggest that UK greenhouse gas emissions in 2003 were about 14% below 1990 levels, with carbon dioxide emissions for 2003 estimated about 7% lower than in 1990.
A government Energy White Paper has set a goal to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 60% by 2050.
Speaking at the World Clean Air and Environmental Protection Congress in London, Lord Whitty said: "Internationally our first priority is climate change, in the long term probably the most important issue we face as a global community.
He said: "Climate change is already happening due to the release of greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide. The UK is one of the strongest supporters of the Kyoto Protocol to cut emissions worldwide. Enormous challenges remain, however."
Lord Whitty said that Britain has come a long way from the days when 4,000 Londoners died in one week because of smog.
Latest government figures show that the average number of days of poor urban air quality in 2003 was about 18% lower than in 1993, and sulphur dioxide pollution dropped from an average 20 days in 1993 to less than a day in 2003.
(gmcg)
Lord Whitty said the UK would use its position as chair of the G8 group of nations next year and its forthcoming EU Presidency to push the climate change agenda at the highest level "in every way we can".
Latest estimates suggest that UK greenhouse gas emissions in 2003 were about 14% below 1990 levels, with carbon dioxide emissions for 2003 estimated about 7% lower than in 1990.
A government Energy White Paper has set a goal to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 60% by 2050.
Speaking at the World Clean Air and Environmental Protection Congress in London, Lord Whitty said: "Internationally our first priority is climate change, in the long term probably the most important issue we face as a global community.
He said: "Climate change is already happening due to the release of greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide. The UK is one of the strongest supporters of the Kyoto Protocol to cut emissions worldwide. Enormous challenges remain, however."
Lord Whitty said that Britain has come a long way from the days when 4,000 Londoners died in one week because of smog.
Latest government figures show that the average number of days of poor urban air quality in 2003 was about 18% lower than in 1993, and sulphur dioxide pollution dropped from an average 20 days in 1993 to less than a day in 2003.
(gmcg)
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Public Health England (PHE) scientists are issuing advice for parts of England and Wales. In the last few days, a combination of local emissions, light winds, pollution from the continent and dust blown over from the Sahara caused a spike in the UK Air Quality Index compiled by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
