Written questions by Freeman.

What plans he has for the data collected by the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Measurement and Modelling Advancement (GEMMA) programme; and if he will make it his policy to integrate that data into greenhouse gas emissions statistics.

The Government monitors and verifies greenhouse gas emissions using measurement data collected through a network of sensors across the country. The Department is working closely with the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Measurement and Modelling Advancement (GEMMA) programme to consider how measurements from this programme could be incorporated into its greenhouse gas inventory verification programme database.

What plans he has for the use of Earth observation data; and whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of using it to support the (a) measurement, (b) monitoring and (c) setting of UK net zero emissions targets.

The Government monitors and verifies greenhouse gas emissions using measurement data collected through a network of sensors across the country. The UK is one of only four countries in the world currently reporting the validation of greenhouse gas emissions based on Earth Observation measurements. The Department regularly considers developments in Earth Observation technology and their potential application through a dedicated Inventory Improvement Programme.

If he will have discussions with the (a) UK Space Agency and (b) Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology on using UK Earth Observation data for greenhouse gas emissions tracking.

The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero engages with the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology and the UK Space Agency through the National Space Council, where Government’s direction for space policy and strategy is decided. These departments also engage at Official level through the National Space Board. The UK is one of only four countries in the world that uses an independent system of Earth Observation measurements to supplement its greenhouse gas inventory and the first to do so.