Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Sixth Carbon Budget

Thursday 22 October 2020 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministers have regular discussions on the sixth carbon budget and net zero target.
  • Emissions from aviation contribute 8% to UK emissions, with international flights responsible for 80%.
  • The Government leads global efforts through ICAO and IMO, driving progress on initiatives like the carbon offsetting scheme for aviation.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jeff Smith Lab Manchester Withington
Climate
Context

Discussions on including international aviation and shipping emissions in the sixth carbon budget are ongoing.

Question

What discussions have been had with Cabinet colleagues regarding the inclusion of international aviation and shipping emissions in the sixth carbon budget?

Answer from Robert Courts

Ministers have regular discussions about our ambitions for the sixth carbon budget and net zero target. Emissions are a global problem requiring a global solution. The UK works with international partners through organisations such as ICAO and IMO, leading this effort.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific results of discussions regarding inclusion of aviation and shipping emissions in carbon budget

How: Global Problem Requiring Global Solution

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Q2 Jeff Smith Lab Manchester Withington
Climate
Context

Aviation accounts for a significant portion of UK emissions, with international flights contributing the majority. The Committee on Climate Change recommended including these in carbon budgets.

Question

What are the results of discussions about aviation and shipping emissions? Aviation contributes 8% to UK emissions, with international flights responsible for 80%. Is it time to act on the recommendation of the Committee on Climate Change?

Answer from Robert Courts

Emissions are a global problem requiring a global solution. The UK works with international partners through organisations such as ICAO and IMO, leading this effort.

Not addressed: Results of discussions regarding inclusion of aviation emissions in carbon budget

How: Global Problem Requiring Global Solution

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Q3 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Climate
Context

Last week's response to the Committee on Climate Change indicated that negotiations at ICAO would ideally occur in 2022, with IMO strategy revisions in advance of 2023. This timing would be too late to address emissions within the sixth carbon budget.

Question

Can we get clarity on the timing? Negotiations for aviation emissions are planned for 2022 at ICAO and shipping strategy revisions by IMO in 2023, which is too late for inclusion in the sixth carbon budget. Why delay action?

Answer from Robert Courts

The Government are not stalling. They lead at ICAO and IMO, driving progress with initiatives like the carbon offsetting scheme for aviation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timing of action on international aviation and shipping emissions

How: Not Stalling, Driving Ahead

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