Energy and Climate Change

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Congleton of 7 January 2010, Official Report, column 628W, on climate change: Copenhagen, what his most recent assessment is of the likelihood of effective global action to limit climate change; and if he will make a statement.

[Official Report, 1 March 2010, Vol. 506, c. 903W.]

Letter of correction from Joan Ruddock:

An error has been identified in the written answer given to the hon. Member for Glasgow, North-East (Mr. Bain) on 1 March 2010. Paragraph 1 of the answer made reference to 69 countries accounting for nearly 90 per cent. of global emissions. It should have said that these countries account for 80 per cent. of global emissions.

The correct answer should have been: (318584)

Since Copenhagen, we have seen support for the Copenhagen Accord grow. As of 22 February 2010, 69 countries had listed targets/actions in the Accord to limit their greenhouse gas emissions. These countries account for 80 per cent. of global emissions. This willingness of many countries to take substantial domestic action, demonstrates that—with ambition—the international community has the opportunity to come together to tackle dangerous climate change effectively.

But there is still more to do. We must continue to encourage these countries to deliver the most ambitious end of their offers if we are to deliver our goal of limiting global warming to 2 degrees Celsius. And we will continue to campaign for countries to include these offers in a comprehensive legally binding treaty.