UK: Climate Changes

United Kingdom

“Climate Change Consultation - Report”, a factual summary of the responses to the climate change consultation has been published by the DETR. The consultation paper focused on how the UK might meet its legally binding target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 12.5% below 1990 levels by 2008-2012, per the Kyoto Protocol. Responses were received from businesses, local authorities, the general public and a wide range of other organisations showing widespread concern about climate change and general support for the Government’s actions. The majority of responses thought that there was a great deal of scope for more efficient use of energy, particularly in households and small businesses. The results will
be used to formulate a draft UK climate change programme for further consultation towards the end of 1999.
(DETR, August 1999)

A preliminary set of 34 indicators of climate change has been identified for the UK and presented for consultation by the DETR. New information and responses to the indicators will be used to update the set on a web site. The indicators chosen cover climate conditions such as temperature and rainfall but also include environmental and economic indicators such as risk of flooding, egg-laying dates of birds, abundance of butterflies, potato yields, the Scottish skiing industry and ice on Lake Windermere.
(DETR, August 1999)