§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent work his Department has carried out to assess the international security implications of climate change; and if he will make a statement. [162885]
§ Mr. RammellHelping to launch new action to reinvigorate the international response to climate change is one of the specific aims set out in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Strategy published in December 2003. A copy of which is available in the Library of the House. Potential linkages between climate change and international security include increased pressure on food and water resources and energy supplies, which in turn (and in combination with other factors) may contribute to the causes of migration, instability and conflict. FCO policies and diplomatic work to promote effective international action against climate change are underpinned by our belief that the global costs of inaction would be high.
1034WThe FCO has been involved in work co-ordinated by DEFRA to identify how policy and operational responsibilities could be affected by climate change. Where appropriate, we consider climate change along with other environmental issues in formulating policy on international and security issues. Through our network of overseas Posts, we have disseminated to wider international audiences modelling produced in the UK on climate change impacts scenarios. Within the EU, we have supported efforts to integrate disaster prevention into EU development and environmental priorities. We believe that this work will help to increase understanding of adverse impacts of climate change internationally.