Mr. Gavin Harte:

The 6°C warming figure is well within the projected scenarios of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. It is not a surprising figure.

It is also important we take a look at some recent studies on how actual measurements relate to Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change projections. We can consider scenarios around emissions, ice loss and other issues, which indicate that current business as usual trajectories have us on the worst case scenario. When we consider the range of temperature increases over the next 100 years, it is fair to argue that a 6° Celsius potential warming above pre-industrial temperatures is possible. Other commentators are working at a level of 4° Celsius, which is the mean, but if we include external feedback into the system - when nature joins the warming party - it is very possible that we could reach those sorts of targets.

When considering where we need to be, we must take into account the factor of 2° Celsius and we must set our targets accordingly. Best case science from 2007 is now suggesting a reduction of 80% in levels by 2050 if we are to hold within the 2° Celsius. That is where science is telling us to go so it is up to the policy and political representatives in these Houses to show leadership in that space and take society on an innovative and competitive path to a low carbon economy, as this Bill is attempting to do.