KYOTO CONFERENCE

Early day motion 353, tabled 27 October 1997 by Cynog Dafis (Plaid Cymru). Signed by 75 members.

That this House regards the Kyoto Conference in December as a unique and crucial opportunity to tackle the threat of dangerous climate change resulting from the emission of greenhouse gases caused by human activity; recognises that the developed world has a responsibility to give a lead in significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions; notes particularly the responsibility of the United States of America which emits 25 per cent. of the global total with 5 per cent. of the world's population; welcomes the European Union proposal for a 15 per cent. cut by 2010 from 1990 levels, and the United Kingdom's commitment to a 20 per cent. reduction over the same period, as significant steps in the right direction; asserts that reducing emissions will yield significant economic as well as environmental benefits; believes that the need for global equity is best met through the principle of convergence toward equality of treatment; calls upon the Government of Japan, as host country; to provide leadership to assure the conference's success; and calls for firm commitments; enshrined in a legally-binding Multilateral Environmental Agreement on climate change establishing an absolute maximum limit on greenhouse gas concentrations, a designated date by which emissions standstill will be reached on an equitable basis and a common rollback thereafter.

Signatures by party: Labour 41, Liberal Democrat 21, Labour/Co-operative 4, Plaid Cymru 3, Conservative 2, Scottish National Party 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1, UUP 1.