Environmental diplomacy

Foreign Affairs Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 3 Mar 2020 Closed: 25 Jun 2021 Parliament page
This inquiry will examine how the FCO conducts environmental diplomacy, what the UK’s strategy is bringing all government departments together, and the FCO’s management of the tension between environmental goals and other diplomatic objectives. In particular, the Committee will focus on preparations for COP26, speaking to other recent host countries … Read more
11 Recommendations
3 Conclusions
1 Report
4 Oral sessions
2 Letters
4 Events
Activity timeline 8 events
25 Jun
2021
Report published
18 May
2021
Oral evidence
19 Apr
2021
Report published
14 Apr
2021
Correspondence
16 Mar
2021
Oral evidence
19 Jan
2021
Oral evidence
13 Jan
2021
Correspondence
10 Mar
2020
Oral evidence
Oral evidence sessions 4 sessions
18 May 2021
View on parliament.uk
Foreign Affairs Committee
Dr John Murton · COP26 Unit, Cabinet Office Peter Hill · Cabinet Office Ros Eales · COP26 Unit, Cabinet Office Rt Hon Alok Sharma
16 Mar 2021
View on parliament.uk
Foreign Affairs Committee
Dr Katharine Rietig · Newcastle University Laurence Tubiana · European Climate Foundation Professor Robert Falkner · London School of Economics
19 Jan 2021
View on parliament.uk
Foreign Affairs Committee
Dr Richard Powell · Scott Polar Research Institute, University of Cambridge Heather Conley · Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Professor Klaus Dodds · Royal Holloway University of London
10 Mar 2020
View on parliament.uk
Foreign Affairs Committee
Katie White · WWF Pete Betts · Chatham House Shane Tomlinson · E3G - Third Generation Environmentalism
Title HC No. Published Items Response
Seventh Report: A climate for ambition: Diplomatic preparations … HC 202 19 Apr 2021 14 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
14 results
1 Conclusion Acknowledged
Seventh Report: A climate for ambi…
COP26 will be a key moment for global climate action.
COP26 will be a key moment for global climate action. We have been encouraged by the number of countries that have expressed the importance of the climate agenda in international fora; COP26 must now translate these words into actions. The … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the critical importance of COP26 for global climate action and outlines its four key goals for the summit: securing net zero, adapting to protect communities, mobilising finance, and working collaboratively to deliver outcomes.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
View details
2 Recommendation Accepted
Seventh Report: A climate for ambi…
We welcome the Government’s announcement of four headline ‘objectives’ for its COP26 Presidency.
We welcome the Government’s announcement of four headline ‘objectives’ for its COP26 Presidency. However, beyond this announcement there has been little detail on what the UK Government wants to achieve. Setting ambitious expectations will be crucial to securing the success … Read more
Government Response
The government states that its Four Goals strategy for COP26 was developed through extensive consultations with developing countries and civil society to ensure inclusivity. It highlights the successful alignment and outcomes from the G7 Leaders Summit, where commitments were made to increase climate finance and embed climate considerations into economic decision-making, demonstrating efforts to mobilise support through key events.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
View details
3 Recommendation Deferred
Seventh Report: A climate for ambi…
We welcome the Government’s commitment to make climate change its number one international priority this...
We welcome the Government’s commitment to make climate change its number one international priority this year, but the responsibility of the UK does not end when COP26 concludes. The UK must continue its efforts as the torchbearer for the next … Read more
Government Response
The government is working on a broader strategy to operationalise climate and biodiversity commitments and will update the committee in due course. Specific decisions on resourcing and structures for supporting future COP presidencies, including staff and expertise, will be taken as part of the next Spending Review.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
View details
4 Conclusion Accepted
Seventh Report: A climate for ambi…
Environmental diplomacy can enhance the UK’s global leadership in line with the UK’s vision for...
Environmental diplomacy can enhance the UK’s global leadership in line with the UK’s vision for ‘Global Britain’ set out in the Integrated Review. Covid-19 has delayed international progress on climate action but has provided more time for the UK to … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges that tackling climate change is its top international priority and agrees with integrating climate objectives into foreign policy. It highlights its extensive diplomatic network, ministerial engagement, and specific policies like the Fossil Fuels Policy and ODA alignment as evidence of its existing holistic approach to environmental diplomacy.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
View details
5 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Seventh Report: A climate for ambi…
The Government should ensure its objectives for COP26 are brought into all of the FCDO’s...
The Government should ensure its objectives for COP26 are brought into all of the FCDO’s foreign policy activity, including trade deals, decisions on overseas aid and bilateral and multilateral conversations with other UNFCCC parties. The Government’s international development strategy should … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts integrating COP26 objectives into its foreign policy, highlighting its work as G7 and COP26 Presidents to align processes and promote green infrastructure investment and trade. However, the response does not address the recommendation to publish a dedicated international development strategy before COP26 that prioritises climate and biodiversity with specific commitments.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
View details
6 Recommendation Accepted
Seventh Report: A climate for ambi…
All countries share a common interest in preserving the planet—the global impacts of the climate...
All countries share a common interest in preserving the planet—the global impacts of the climate crisis mean that COP26 will provide an opportunity for the UK to exercise soft power and rebuild relationships with key countries where differences remain on … Read more
Government Response
The government confirms that climate diplomacy is central to the FCDO's work, with clear engagement priorities given to its diplomatic network. It highlights its existing communications strategy, which uses international media and public engagement across various channels to raise awareness and promote support for COP26 beyond governments.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
View details
7 Recommendation Accepted
Seventh Report: A climate for ambi…
The US Climate Summit and COP15 (the biodiversity COP) will be two key moments where...
The US Climate Summit and COP15 (the biodiversity COP) will be two key moments where the UK will need to take stock of progress and push for increased ambition. As the COP26 President, the UK should play a leading role … Read more
Government Response
The government details extensive close collaboration with the US administration, including frequent high-level meetings between leaders and climate envoys, to align climate summit and COP26 objectives, contributing to the success of the US Leaders’ Summit. It also outlines cooperation with China, with agreements between leaders and engagements with officials to push for ambitious commitments and mutually supportive outcomes.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
View details
8 Recommendation Accepted
Seventh Report: A climate for ambi…
The UK has a strong record for building coalitions for climate action, such as the...
The UK has a strong record for building coalitions for climate action, such as the High Ambition Coalition at UN climate negotiations, and it could build upon this A climate for ambition: Diplomatic preparations for COP26 21 during its COP … Read more
Government Response
The government details its existing and ongoing efforts to work with Small Island Developing States and other vulnerable countries, and collaborates with previous hosts like Chile through joint initiatives, summits, and consultations to build climate action networks and drive global ambition.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
View details
9 Recommendation Accepted
Seventh Report: A climate for ambi…
In order to map the whole picture, it is important that the Government organise inclusive...
In order to map the whole picture, it is important that the Government organise inclusive pre-meetings and do not simply hold pre-meetings on a regional basis. The Government should publish the agenda of these meetings to ensure inclusivity and to … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts the recommendation, committing to continue inclusive pre-meetings through monthly multilateral consultations and the July Ministerial, which are designed for broad participation across time zones. It further commits to publishing the results or summaries of these discussions online and sharing agendas well in advance for transparency and inclusivity.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
View details
10 Recommendation Accepted
Seventh Report: A climate for ambi…
It is essential that domestic policy decisions support rather than undermine diplomatic efforts.
It is essential that domestic policy decisions support rather than undermine diplomatic efforts. We recommend that the UK leads by example and sets ambitious domestic climate policies. We welcome the introduction of the Net Zero Innovation Portfolio and recommend that … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts the recommendation by detailing its ambitious domestic climate policies, including the Ten Point Plan and sixth carbon budget, and committing to a Net Zero Strategy. It highlights the £1bn Net Zero Innovation Programme and specific financial measures like the UK green taxonomy and mandatory TCFD-aligned disclosures by 2025.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
View details
11 Recommendation Rejected
Seventh Report: A climate for ambi…
COP26 must aim to secure a form of realistic pricing of carbon output that prevents...
COP26 must aim to secure a form of realistic pricing of carbon output that prevents carbon offshoring and fully prices in the cost of the production of goods and transport. Building on the G7 and G20 to ensure the burden … Read more
Government Response
The government rejects securing carbon pricing as an outcome for COP26, stating it is not a mandated discussion. However, it acknowledges the risk of carbon leakage and commits to working with G7 partners to embed climate considerations into economic decision-making and increase the use of policy levers to price carbon.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
View details
12 Recommendation Accepted
Seventh Report: A climate for ambi…
For COP26 to be successful, the Government will need to ensure that negotiations are inclusive...
For COP26 to be successful, the Government will need to ensure that negotiations are inclusive and take into account the viewpoints of the Least Developed Countries and the countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. It will not … Read more
Government Response
The government commits to holding an in-person COP26 and will provide vaccines for delegates from Least Developed Countries unable to access them. They are also considering how to use technology to enhance participation and inclusivity and will work with partners on virtual offers.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
View details
13 Recommendation Deferred
Seventh Report: A climate for ambi…
The UK Government must recognise that it may not be possible for 30,000 delegates to...
The UK Government must recognise that it may not be possible for 30,000 delegates to attend a conference in November. There is a distinct possibility that large parts of the summit will have to be moved online or downscaled because … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the need for contingency planning regarding the format of COP26 due to COVID-19, stating it is actively reviewing options for hybrid events and the Green Zone, but defers providing specific criteria or detailed plans until 'in due course'.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
View details
14 Conclusion Accepted in Part
Seventh Report: A climate for ambi…
Given the commitment of the global environmental community to a green agenda, a downscaled COP26...
Given the commitment of the global environmental community to a green agenda, a downscaled COP26 could become the first expression of a new approach to international climate diplomacy, rejecting airmiles for airwaves and living the message of carbon neutrality. (Paragraph … Read more
Government Response
The government stated its intent to hold COP26 in person, but committed to specific actions to ensure sustainability and carbon neutrality. These include aiming for ISO20121 certification, implementing a robust Carbon Management Plan to reduce and offset emissions, and encouraging low-carbon travel while offsetting associated emissions.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
View details
Government Response AI assessment · 14 of 11 classified
Accepted 8
Accepted in Part 2
Acknowledged 1
Deferred 2
Rejected 1
Total 11 recs + 3 conclusions
Correspondence 2 letters
14 Apr 2021 Correspondence with the Foreign Secretary on COP26 preparations, dated 06/04/2021 and 23/03/2021
Parliament page
13 Jan 2021 Correspondence with the Prime Minister relating to the appointment of the Right Honourable Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP as the International Champion for Adaptation and Resilience for the COP26 Presidency, dated 24/11/2020 and 21/12/2020
Parliament page