§ Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what evaluation she has made of the relevance of the United Nations Environment Programme's Global Environment Outlook-3 (GEO-3) report to the United Kingdom and overseas territories. [62163]
§ Mr. MeacherThe GEO-3 report provides an authoritative assessment that informs our thinking on global sustainable development. Although it does not single out individual countries, it makes clear that action is required by all countries in the north and the south to reverse environmental degradation. The report is an unequivocal reminder that sustainable development rests on three pillars—economic, social and environmental. It highlights the need for action in key areas, such as biodiversity, climate change, forests and oceans. The UK Government takes the problems identified by the report extremely seriously and is taking appropriate action including;
Taking the lead in tackling climate change at the national and international level. Through our Climate Change Programme we aim to increase the amount of energy generated from renewable sources, and work with industries to cut emissions and boost efficiency.Taking significant steps to conserve, and sustainable use, biodiversity in the UK and overseas.Taking significant steps to achieve sustainable forest management in the UK and assist others to do so abroad.Providing extra protection for marine species and habitats under threat. We are promoting the case for marine protected areas on the high seas and are conducting an integrated assessment of the state of our seas.The World Summit for Sustainable Development (WSSD) in August-September is a valuable opportunity to address many of these issues and the UK Government is working hard internationally, with partners, to help make the summit a success.