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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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19 November 2003
Over 80s offered extra £100 for winter fuel payments
Around 2 million households in the UK with someone aged 80 plus will automatically receive £100 on top of the £200 Winter Fuel Payment, it has been announced today. This winter about 8 million households, some 11.5 million people, will benefit from the £200 Winter Fuel Payment, worth around £4 a week.
Over 80s offered extra £100 for winter fuel payments
Around 2 million households in the UK with someone aged 80 plus will automatically receive £100 on top of the £200 Winter Fuel Payment, it has been announced today. This winter about 8 million households, some 11.5 million people, will benefit from the £200 Winter Fuel Payment, worth around £4 a week.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
