Blair on Kyoto and G8

Following received from Blair in reply to a postcard sent some time ago after the Climate Change March (Feb 2005)- apologies for any typos..

10 Downing St,London.

From the Prime Minister. 30 march 2005.

Dear Mr...

Thank you for your recent letter regarding climate change.

I warmly welcome the recent entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol. The treaty is a significant first step toewards the ultimate goal of the United nations Framework Convention on Climate Change,to stabilise concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere at a level which prevents dangerous interference with the climate. The Kyoto Treaty establishes a global framework with binding targets and a compliance regime that can form the basis for agreeing further cuts and future action. The fact that 145 countries have ratified the Kyoto Protocol to date is an enormous achievement and shows that there is widespread global support for tackling climate change.

The UK remains committed to the Kyoto Protocol and has implemented various policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We are on track to meet our target of a 12.5% reduction in emissions below 1990 level by 2008-2012. Our latest published figures for 2003 show that greenhouse gas emissions are estimated to have been 13.4% lower than 1990 levels and are currently projected to be around 20% lower by 2010.

The Government also has a domestic goal for reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 20% from 1990 levels by 2010. In the Energy White Paper (published in 2003) we accept the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution's recommendation that the UK should put itself on a path to a reduction in carbon emissions of some 60% by 2050.

In 2000 the UK published the Climate Change Programme,which outlined a number os specific policies to meet our goals,including the Climate Change Levy and the Renewables Levy.

The Government is currently reviewing the UK climate change programme. The review is looking at how existing policies are performing and the range of policies that might be put in place in the future. We are aiming to publish a revised programme in the first half of 2005.

I have made action to tackle climate change a priority for our G8 Presidency this year. The G8 has the potential to provide fresh impetut to the debate on climate change and create international momentum for action. The G8 countries account for over 65% of Global GDP and 47% of global carbon dioxide emissions. The G8 is also the main focus for scientific research and technological development, reflected in their responsibility for 70% of the world's scientific papers.

My specific objectives for the UK Presidnecy of the G8 in relation to climate change are:

1 . To set out a clear direction of travel,based on the science.

2. To agree a package of practical measures,focusing on technologies.

3. To work in partnership with the major emerging economies to reach a new consensus on how we deal with the challenge in the future.

I also intend to use the UK's EU Presidency, which will run from July until December, to make further progress.

I believe that in the long term,climate change is the most important challenge facing the global community. It is a challenge that my Government takes extremely seriously, and which will continue to be a high priority for both our domestic and our international policy.

Yours ever. Tony Blair.

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So now we know... Nothing new really...

See www.campaigncc.org and Stop Esso etc.

also www.schnews.org.uk and any Anti G8 website