Question on Carbon Emissions

Speech by David Ford questions the Environment Minister on Mon 24th Sep 2007

Mr Ford asked the Minister of the Environment what is her assessment of the need to reduce carbon emissions in Northern Ireland, given the announcement by her Scottish colleagues on the need for an 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050. (AQO 183/08)

Mrs Foster: Although Northern Ireland's emissions are minute in global terms, it is important that we play our part in reducing them. That is why I sought, and received, agreement at last week's Executive Committee meeting for the provisions of the United Kingdom Climate Change (Effects) Bill to be extended to Northern Ireland. That Bill provides for an overall United Kingdom emissions reduction target of at least 60% by 2050.

I am aware that, in addition to opting into the UK Bill, the Scottish Executive intend to produce a separate climate change Bill that has a higher reduction target of 80%. There is no simple relationship between long-term stabilisation and the pathways that are required to reach that point. The UK target of at least 60% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions is consistent with that approach. However, it is recognised that there is a need to keep targets under review in the light of emerging scientific evidence and other developments. The Climate Change (Effects) Bill will provide for that.

Mr Ford: I thank the Minister for her reply, although it is a little disappointing. Given the growing body of opinion that states that the UK needs to reduce carbon emissions by at least 80% by 2050 and the fact that Northern Ireland, along with Scotland, has huge potential to generate power from wind, waves and biomass, is it not time that she ensured that Northern Ireland took a lead in the battle against climate change and ceased to be a reluctant conscript?

Mrs Foster: I do not accept that Northern Ireland is a reluctant conscript; the opposite is the case. The 60% target was recommended by the independent Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution and cited in the 2003 White Paper on energy. There has been considerable stakeholder consensus that that figure represents an ambitious commitment for the UK; however, there is no similar consensus on any other figure.

In evidence to the joint committee that scrutinised the Bill in May, Professor Sir David King, the Government's scientific adviser, recognised that 60% is the correct target at this stage. I want the Member to reflect on that. Two weeks ago I had the opportunity to speak with Jonathon Porritt, the chairman of the Sustainable Development Commission. I asked him about the 60% target, because I knew it to be an issue for some here. Mr Porritt is of the opinion that 60% is the correct target at this point; however, he said that it should be left to the Committee on Climate Change to revisit targets. Revisiting targets is built into the Bill, which states that the target is at least 60%. However, the Committee on Climate Change could raise that target if the need arises.