Thank you for contacting me about climate change.
Concern about climate change is growing to unprecedented levels and I can assure you that I recognise the importance and urgency of public debate on this issue.
The UK has taken a world-leading role in tackling climate change and the transition to Clean Growth, with the UK being the first country to introduce legally binding long-term emissions targets under the landmark Climate Change Act in 2008. Since 1990, the UK has cut emissions by more than 40 per cent while growing the economy by more than two thirds, the best performance on a per person basis than any other G7 nation.
To continue this momentum, the Government published the Clean Growth Strategy in 2017, setting out its plans for meeting the UK’s carbon targets and the ambition to legislate for a net zero emissions target. This has been boosted by significant innovation funding made available through the Industrial Strategy.
At the same time, the ambitious 25 Year Environment Plan outlines the Government’s commitment to supporting and protecting the world’s most biodiverse forests, supporting sustainable agriculture and enhancing sustainability, and supporting zero-deforestation supply chains.
That said, we must do more, and that is why the Government is introducing a legally binding net zero target to end the UK’s contribution to global warming entirely by 2050. The foundations to achieve this have been laid and it is expected that other major economies will follow suit.
The International Climate Fund has been set up to provide £5.8 billion to help the world’s poorest countries adapt to climate change and promote cleaner, greener economic growth. Through it, the UK works in partnership with developing countries to:
- reduce carbon emissions through promoting low carbon development;
- help poor people protect themselves from the effects of climate change; and
- reduce deforestation.
In addition, the UK supports efforts to integrate climate change policies into international development plans.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Craig Whittaker MP
October 2019