§ Lord Avebury asked Her Majesty's Government:
§ Whether they will propose a scheme to the General Assembly of the United Nations that would allow people living in low-lying islands and coastal areas to claim compensation for the loss of habitable territory. [HL3372]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: We currently have no specific plans to propose a compensation scheme. However we share the concerns implicit in the noble Lord's question about the implications for lowlying island states and coastal areas of the current trends in climate change. We attach importance t international co-operation and research to understand better the impacts of climate change that can help countries to develop strategies to adapt. We support effective international action to mitigate the potential effects of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.