Climate change, development and COP26
International Development Committee
Closed
Inquiry
Report and Government response published The International Development Committee launched an inquiry examining, ahead of COP26 in November, the progress the Government has made putting climate change at the centre of aid policy. The House Commons International Development Committee has called on the government to concentrate its international aid programmes …
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15
Recommendations
82
Conclusions
1
Report
3
Oral sessions
1
Letter
3
Events
Activity timeline 9 events
14 Jan
2022
2022
17 Nov
2021
2021
26 Oct
2021
2021
20 Jul
2021
2021
Oral evidence
20 Jul
2021
2021
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Virtual meeting
6 Jul
2021
2021
Oral evidence
6 Jul
2021
2021
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Virtual meeting
22 Jun
2021
2021
Oral evidence
22 Jun
2021
2021
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Virtual meeting
Oral evidence sessions 3 sessions
20 Jul 2021
View on parliament.uk
Climate change, development and COP 26
Colin Buckley · CDC Group
Dario Kenner · Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD)
Dr Amal-Lee Amin · CDC Group
The Rt Hon. the Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park
Vel Gnanendran · Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
6 Jul 2021
View on parliament.uk
Climate change, development and COP 26
Eileen Mareina Cunningham, Active Observer representing the Civil Society, Indigenous Peoples and Local Community Network at the Green Climate Fund & Head of the Secretariat, Researcher and Advocacy Officer on Climate Finance, Indigenous Peoples Terr
Gebru Jember, Representative of the Least Developed Countries Initiative for Effective Adaptation and Resilience (LIFE-AR) & Regional Lead for Climate Diplomacy and Measurement, Reporting and Verification at the Africa Office of the Global Green Grow
Laurie Lee · CARE International UK
Marek Soanes · International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED)
Ms Catherine Pettengell · Climate Action Network UK (CAN-UK)
Nick Mabey · E3G
22 Jun 2021
View on parliament.uk
Climate change, development and COP26
Cecília da Silva Bernardo · Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Environment of the Republic of Angola
Dr Alessandra Sgobbi · European Commission
Dr Lisa Schipper · The Environmental Change Institute, University of Oxford
H.E. Ms Diann Black-Layne, Ambassador for Climate Change – Antigua and Barbuda and Lead Negotiator on Climate Change of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS)
Julius Ng’oma · Civil Society Network on Climate Change (CISONECC)
Suranjana Gupta · Huairou Commission
Reports 1 report · click to expand
| Title | HC No. | Published | Items | Response |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second Report - Global Britain in demand: UK climate action and … | HC 99 | 26 Oct 2021 | 97 | Responded |
Recommendations & Conclusions
97 results
1
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
We are concerned that the FCDO might focus more on fast results than on tackling...
We are concerned that the FCDO might focus more on fast results than on tackling the root causes of social vulnerability in its interventions. Furthermore, we are concerned that social vulnerability might be considered less a core focus of the …
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Government Response
Government response: Partially agree We recognise the fundamental importance of indigenous and local community leadership, knowledge, technologies and spiritual values in designing and developing rights- and nature-based resilient and effective …
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2
Recommendation
Second Report - Global Britain in …
We are concerned about the extent to which the priorities and knowledge of marginalised groups...
We are concerned about the extent to which the priorities and knowledge of marginalised groups are factored into measures tackling climate change. Ensuring that the voices of the most marginalised, local communities are fully taken on board will improve the …
Read more
3
Recommendation
Second Report - Global Britain in …
Building the capacity of local authorities and grassroots organisations in LDCs and SIDS to tackle...
Building the capacity of local authorities and grassroots organisations in LDCs and SIDS to tackle climate change requires more attention. We urge the FCDO to grow long-term capacity in LDCs and SIDS by lengthening programme cycles to 5–10 years for …
Read more
4
Recommendation
Second Report - Global Britain in …
Access to climate finance remains a significant challenge for LDCs, SIDS and grassroots organisations.
Access to climate finance remains a significant challenge for LDCs, SIDS and grassroots organisations. For Global Britain to be a credible “force for good”, we urge the Government to use its COP presidency and position as a key donor to …
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5
Recommendation
Second Report - Global Britain in …
We believe that the current level of international climate finance is fundamentally over-reported, reducing the...
We believe that the current level of international climate finance is fundamentally over-reported, reducing the credibility of declarations and scope for achieving climate adaptation and resilience. We are calling for full transparency in the reporting of climate finance to enhance …
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6
Recommendation
Second Report - Global Britain in …
We are concerned about the broad list of exemptions in the Government’s new fossil fuel...
We are concerned about the broad list of exemptions in the Government’s new fossil fuel policy as it raises questions about the UK’s credibility as a “force for good” and its commitment to net zero. We therefore urge the Government …
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7
Recommendation
Second Report - Global Britain in …
We understand the call of many contributors to create a separate funding stream for loss...
We understand the call of many contributors to create a separate funding stream for loss and damage from climate events, such as from sea-level rise, and acknowledge the challenges in accomplishing this at this time. Nonetheless, we urge the Government …
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8
Recommendation
Second Report - Global Britain in …
We welcome the Government holding a Climate and Development Ministerial meeting in March 2021 to...
We welcome the Government holding a Climate and Development Ministerial meeting in March 2021 to capture the concerns of climate-vulnerable countries in the run-up to COP26. We recommend that the FCDO hosts a Climate and Development Ministerial with climate-vulnerable countries …
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9
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
Tackling climate change and biodiversity loss as the Government’s “number one international priority” will inevitably...
Tackling climate change and biodiversity loss as the Government’s “number one international priority” will inevitably involve international development. We are concerned that the Integrated Review does not include explicit initiatives building the capacity of FCDO’s network to maximise the synergies …
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Government Response
Government response: Partially agree As set out by the Prime Minister in the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy, tackling climate change and biodiversity loss, and remaining …
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10
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
A failure to anchor climate change in development and to ensure greater policy coherence in...
A failure to anchor climate change in development and to ensure greater policy coherence in Whitehall will increase the scope for maladaptation, the negative consequences of poorly designed Nature-based Solutions and wasteful spending of the reduced ODA. By introducing a …
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Government Response
Government response: Partially agree As set out by the Prime Minister in the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy, tackling climate change and biodiversity loss, and remaining …
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11
Recommendation
Second Report - Global Britain in …
We believe that climate and development are closely intertwined.
We believe that climate and development are closely intertwined. The Integrated Review prioritises climate change “in 2021 and beyond” and suggests using UK ODA to increase the Government’s impact as a “force for good”. We therefore recommend the introduction of …
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12
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
Dr Lisa Schipper also told us that staff at the FCDO faced pressure to deliver...
Dr Lisa Schipper also told us that staff at the FCDO faced pressure to deliver results swiftly.26 She added that the FCDO officers to whom she presented her paper on maladaptation were “fully aware” of the risks of maladaptation but …
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13
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
The FCDO told us that effective sustainable development takes into consideration “all factors and risks,...
The FCDO told us that effective sustainable development takes into consideration “all factors and risks, including climate change and social vulnerability”.28 The Government has engaged in numerous measures to ensure global progress on adaptation and resilience in the run-up to …
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14
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
On the same day, COP26 President the Rt Hon Alok Sharma MP launched the Adaptation...
On the same day, COP26 President the Rt Hon Alok Sharma MP launched the Adaptation Action Coalition,31 in order to accelerate progress on adaptation in partnership with five countries and the UN32 as well as the “Race to Resilience” campaign …
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15
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
In its Adaptation Communication to the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate...
In its Adaptation Communication to the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UN Climate Change) in December 2020, the Government stated that it was: committed to ensuring women and girls, indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, and …
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16
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
However, Eileen Mairena Cunningham, Active Observer at the Green Climate Fund representing the Civil Society,...
However, Eileen Mairena Cunningham, Active Observer at the Green Climate Fund representing the Civil Society, Indigenous Peoples and Local Community Network, told us that in terms of UK interventions in the Green Climate Fund, which is the world’s biggest multilateral …
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17
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
Asked about unintended consequences of green energy projects, Lord Goldsmith, the Minister for the Pacific...
Asked about unintended consequences of green energy projects, Lord Goldsmith, the Minister for the Pacific and the Environment at the FCDO and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), told us that the FCDO’s approach was “generally a …
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18
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
Vel Gnanendran, Head of the Climate and Environment Directorate (CED) at the FCDO, added that...
Vel Gnanendran, Head of the Climate and Environment Directorate (CED) at the FCDO, added that the Department followed a “do no harm” principle and that “every business case has to have a gender equality assessment, and social development advisers are …
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19
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
Nature-based Solutions are: actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural or modified ecosystems, that...
Nature-based Solutions are: actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural or modified ecosystems, that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, simultaneously providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits.39
20
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
Contributors told us that Nature-based Solutions (NbS) must be implemented with the full engagement and...
Contributors told us that Nature-based Solutions (NbS) must be implemented with the full engagement and consent of local communities to effectively build their resilience.40 According to Christian Aid, NbS can either result in “considerable potential co-benefits” for biodiversity, people and …
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21
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
The Institute of Development Studies stated that NbS are neither a “silver bullet” nor a...
The Institute of Development Studies stated that NbS are neither a “silver bullet” nor a substitute for phasing out fossil fuels and warned against the expansion of tree planting to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere instead of the protection …
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22
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
In its Adaptation Communication to UN Climate Change in December 2020, the Government stated that:...
In its Adaptation Communication to UN Climate Change in December 2020, the Government stated that: [t]hrough the UK COP 26 nature campaign, we are seeking to ensure that finance, capacity building and co-operation are available to unlock the potential of …
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23
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
The FCDO told us that it would “kick-start a just rural transition towards sustainable land...
The FCDO told us that it would “kick-start a just rural transition towards sustainable land use to benefit people, climate and nature” by earmarking £3 billion of the £11.6 billion in UK ICF for 2021–2026 to fund programmes that “protect, …
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24
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
We are concerned that the FCDO might focus more on fast results than on tackling...
We are concerned that the FCDO might focus more on fast results than on tackling the root causes of social vulnerability in its interventions. Furthermore, we are concerned that social vulnerability might be considered less a core focus of the …
Read more
Government Response
Government response: Partially agree We recognise the fundamental importance of indigenous and local community leadership, knowledge, technologies and spiritual values in designing and developing rights- and nature-based resilient and effective …
Read more
25
Recommendation
Second Report - Global Britain in …
We are concerned about the extent to which the priorities and knowledge of marginalised groups...
We are concerned about the extent to which the priorities and knowledge of marginalised groups are factored into measures tackling climate change. Ensuring that the voices of the most marginalised, local communities are fully taken on board will improve the …
Read more
26
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
In 2019, our predecessor Committee concluded that DFID-funded programmes: • ran for two to three...
In 2019, our predecessor Committee concluded that DFID-funded programmes: • ran for two to three years on average instead of the seven to ten years which NGOs preferred; • were terminated instead of being scaled up on a regular basis …
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Government Response
Government response: Agree The UK has a strong track record of promoting community-based or locally-led adaptation through previous programmes such as the Building Resilience and Adaptation to Climate Extremes and …
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27
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
Vulnerable countries and grassroots organisations are still calling for high-income donor countries and multilateral financial...
Vulnerable countries and grassroots organisations are still calling for high-income donor countries and multilateral financial institutions to engage with them meaningfully in ways which build their capacity, knowledge and experience in adaptation in the long term.48
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Government Response
Government response: Agree The UK has a strong track record of promoting community-based or locally-led adaptation through previous programmes such as the Building Resilience and Adaptation to Climate Extremes and …
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28
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
Cecília da Silva Bernardo, Representative of the Least Developed Countries Group and Co-Chair of the...
Cecília da Silva Bernardo, Representative of the Least Developed Countries Group and Co-Chair of the Adaptation Committee of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), told us that one of the biggest challenges for LDCs was insufficient capacity and …
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Government Response
Government response: Agree The UK has a strong track record of promoting community-based or locally-led adaptation through previous programmes such as the Building Resilience and Adaptation to Climate Extremes and …
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29
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
We heard that capacity-building at a local level was hampered by weak digital infrastructure,51 the...
We heard that capacity-building at a local level was hampered by weak digital infrastructure,51 the complex design of programmes52 and a lack of sufficient adjustment of projects to the needs of local communities.53 Furthermore, we were told that projects implemented …
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Government Response
Government response: Agree The UK has a strong track record of promoting community-based or locally-led adaptation through previous programmes such as the Building Resilience and Adaptation to Climate Extremes and …
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30
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
We received several examples of well-run, successful projects focussing on climate change which had not...
We received several examples of well-run, successful projects focussing on climate change which had not been scaled up.56 The International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) concluded that, overall, the UK continued to provide climate finance for four years or …
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Government Response
Government response: Agree The UK has a strong track record of promoting community-based or locally-led adaptation through previous programmes such as the Building Resilience and Adaptation to Climate Extremes and …
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31
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
Catherine Pettengell, Interim Director at Climate Action Network UK (CAN- UK), told us that it...
Catherine Pettengell, Interim Director at Climate Action Network UK (CAN- UK), told us that it did not make sense to close down efficient programming which was delivering the intended outcomes only to reopen it a few years later.59 She added …
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Government Response
Government response: Agree The UK has a strong track record of promoting community-based or locally-led adaptation through previous programmes such as the Building Resilience and Adaptation to Climate Extremes and …
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32
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
In its response to our predecessor Committee’s report, the Government partially agreed with the Committee’s...
In its response to our predecessor Committee’s report, the Government partially agreed with the Committee’s conclusions but stressed that average programme duration was six to seven years and that projects were extended or scaled up if they were effective.61
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Government Response
Government response: Agree The UK has a strong track record of promoting community-based or locally-led adaptation through previous programmes such as the Building Resilience and Adaptation to Climate Extremes and …
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33
Recommendation
Second Report - Global Britain in …
Building the capacity of local authorities and grassroots organisations in LDCs and SIDS to tackle...
Building the capacity of local authorities and grassroots organisations in LDCs and SIDS to tackle climate change requires more attention. We urge the FCDO to grow long-term capacity in LDCs and SIDS by lengthening programme cycles to 5–10 years for …
Read more
34
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
Globally, adaptation plays “second fiddle” to mitigation in terms of international climate finance.63 Following a...
Globally, adaptation plays “second fiddle” to mitigation in terms of international climate finance.63 Following a threat by low- and middle-income countries to walk out on the negotiations in Copenhagen in 2009, higher income countries pledged to provide “scaled up, new …
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35
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
The US$100 billion goal has yet to be met.66 The balance between mitigation and adaptation...
The US$100 billion goal has yet to be met.66 The balance between mitigation and adaptation is also unmet as only 25% of climate finance has been invested in adaptation globally in recent years.67 The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) suggests …
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36
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
We heard that the UK has “a really good story to tell on adaptation”.69 On...
We heard that the UK has “a really good story to tell on adaptation”.69 On average, 47% of UK ICF was spent on adaptation in the past four years.70 Furthermore the UK provided 89% of its ICF in grants rather …
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37
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
In September 2019, the Government announced that it would double the amount of UK ICF...
In September 2019, the Government announced that it would double the amount of UK ICF to £11.6 billion for the period of 2021/22–2025/26.73 The Government referred to UK ODA as a means to increase its impact as a “force for …
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38
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
We heard that the process of applying for climate funds remains cumbersome for most LDCs,...
We heard that the process of applying for climate funds remains cumbersome for most LDCs, SIDS and grassroots organisations.82 Only 14% of ICF reached the 46 LDCs and just 2% reached the 39 SIDS between 2016 and 2018.83 73 Gov.uk, …
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Government Response
Government response: Agree While the amount of available climate finance is increasing, current mechanisms for accessing climate finance are often slow, complex, resource intensive, uncertain, and project based. Insufficient coherence …
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39
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
Our inquiry received many contributions about the largest multilateral climate fund,84 the Green Climate Fund...
Our inquiry received many contributions about the largest multilateral climate fund,84 the Green Climate Fund (GCF). Our predecessor Committee previously highlighted the challenges in accessing funding from the GCF,85 and recommended that the Government improve efficiency in GCF decision-making and …
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Government Response
Government response: Agree While the amount of available climate finance is increasing, current mechanisms for accessing climate finance are often slow, complex, resource intensive, uncertain, and project based. Insufficient coherence …
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40
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
Since then, little has changed.
Since then, little has changed. The evidence that we heard includes accounts of the obstacles that must be overcome to access funding, which disadvantage fragile and conflict-affected states, other LDCs and SIDS as well as grassroots organisations.87
Government Response
Government response: Agree While the amount of available climate finance is increasing, current mechanisms for accessing climate finance are often slow, complex, resource intensive, uncertain, and project based. Insufficient coherence …
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41
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
LDCs and SIDS face difficulties in accessing funding from multilateral organisations such as the GCF.
LDCs and SIDS face difficulties in accessing funding from multilateral organisations such as the GCF. H.E. Diann Black-Layne told us that: There is a struggle to keep on reminding the green climate fund and others—not the adaptation fund—that this is …
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Government Response
Government response: Agree While the amount of available climate finance is increasing, current mechanisms for accessing climate finance are often slow, complex, resource intensive, uncertain, and project based. Insufficient coherence …
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42
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
Gebru Jember, Technical Lead of the Least Developed Countries Initiative for Effective Adaptation and Resilience...
Gebru Jember, Technical Lead of the Least Developed Countries Initiative for Effective Adaptation and Resilience (LIFE-AR) and former Chair of the LDC Group, spoke of lengthy review processes as well as micromanaging by the GCF Board which delayed the disbursement …
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Government Response
Government response: Agree While the amount of available climate finance is increasing, current mechanisms for accessing climate finance are often slow, complex, resource intensive, uncertain, and project based. Insufficient coherence …
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43
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
He added that: when you submit a proposal, it takes two to three years minimum...
He added that: when you submit a proposal, it takes two to three years minimum to access the finance. Then you need to revise, because things change. The impact of climate change invariably becomes a bit more severe, and that …
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Government Response
While the amount of available climate finance is increasing, current mechanisms for accessing climate finance are often slow, complex, resource intensive, uncertain, and project based. Insufficient coherence also leaves developing …
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44
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
Contributors also raised the importance of direct access to multilateral funds for grassroots organisations, LDCs...
Contributors also raised the importance of direct access to multilateral funds for grassroots organisations, LDCs and SIDS.92 To access funding from the GCF, for example, applicants have to become accredited first – a process which the GCF describes as a …
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Government Response
While the amount of available climate finance is increasing, current mechanisms for accessing climate finance are often slow, complex, resource intensive, uncertain, and project based. Insufficient coherence also leaves developing …
Read more
45
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
Grassroots organisations equally face significant hurdles in accessing climate funding.
Grassroots organisations equally face significant hurdles in accessing climate funding. Less than 10% of climate finance committed to low- and middle-income countries to combat climate change reaches the local level as funders of climate adaptation tend to prefer “bulk spending …
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Government Response
While the amount of available climate finance is increasing, current mechanisms for accessing climate finance are often slow, complex, resource intensive, uncertain, and project based. Insufficient coherence also leaves developing …
Read more
46
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
As a result of bureaucratic procedures and accessing funding through intermediaries, the total amount of...
As a result of bureaucratic procedures and accessing funding through intermediaries, the total amount of money at the disposal of grassroots organisations can be as little as 10–15% of the project value.96 Julius Ng’oma told us that his organisation - …
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Government Response
While the amount of available climate finance is increasing, current mechanisms for accessing climate finance are often slow, complex, resource intensive, uncertain, and project based. Insufficient coherence also leaves developing …
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47
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
Eileen Mairena Cunningham called for the full, effective and meaningful incorporation of marginalised groups in...
Eileen Mairena Cunningham called for the full, effective and meaningful incorporation of marginalised groups in the global response to climate change and for direct access by them to funds from the GCF.99 She told us that currently: The requirements to …
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Government Response
While the amount of available climate finance is increasing, current mechanisms for accessing climate finance are often slow, complex, resource intensive, uncertain, and project based. Insufficient coherence also leaves developing …
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48
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
The UK is a top contributor to the four multilateral climate funds including the GCF.102...
The UK is a top contributor to the four multilateral climate funds including the GCF.102 As such, it has influence on their policies and procedures. The UK was also instrumental in the establishment of the Least Developed Countries Initiative for …
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Government Response
While the amount of available climate finance is increasing, current mechanisms for accessing climate finance are often slow, complex, resource intensive, uncertain, and project based. Insufficient coherence also leaves developing …
Read more
49
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
According to the FCDO, the UK helped facilitate the introduction of the GCF’s Updated Strategic...
According to the FCDO, the UK helped facilitate the introduction of the GCF’s Updated Strategic Plan for 2020–2024, which aims to improve access to funding for LDCs, SIDS and other African countries as well as of a new voting procedure …
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Government Response
While the amount of available climate finance is increasing, current mechanisms for accessing climate finance are often slow, complex, resource intensive, uncertain, and project based. Insufficient coherence also leaves developing …
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50
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
Vel Gnanendran told us that the Government intended to make propositions such as cutting the...
Vel Gnanendran told us that the Government intended to make propositions such as cutting the application process by 100 days as part of a simplified process, at the GCF Board meeting in October 2021.107 He added that: Hopefully, that will …
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Government Response
While the amount of available climate finance is increasing, current mechanisms for accessing climate finance are often slow, complex, resource intensive, uncertain, and project based. Insufficient coherence also leaves developing …
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51
Recommendation
Second Report - Global Britain in …
Access to climate finance remains a significant challenge for LDCs, SIDS and grassroots organisations.
Access to climate finance remains a significant challenge for LDCs, SIDS and grassroots organisations. For Global Britain to be a credible “force for good”, we urge the Government to use its COP presidency and position as a key donor to …
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52
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
Despite its omnipresence in climate negotiations, there is no officially agreed definition of climate finance.110...
Despite its omnipresence in climate negotiations, there is no officially agreed definition of climate finance.110 In November 2020, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reported that the level of climate finance was US$78.9 billion in 2018.111 Yet, the …
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53
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
In their paper on climate finance, Roberts et al stated that the “US$100 billion per...
In their paper on climate finance, Roberts et al stated that the “US$100 billion per year climate finance promise had deep flaws, making it impossible to now assess whether it has been met.”113 Although the pledge of US$100 billion per …
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54
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
We heard that another challenge was the different interpretation of the term ‘new and additional’.
We heard that another challenge was the different interpretation of the term ‘new and additional’. At COP15 in Copenhagen (2009), high-income countries agreed to provide new and additional funding “approaching US$30 billion” for 2010–2012 for climate adaptation and mitigation.116 Although …
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55
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
In its biennial progress report (December 2020), the Government stated that: Our funding will be...
In its biennial progress report (December 2020), the Government stated that: Our funding will be new and in addition to our previous £5.8 billion ICF commitment.118 Many contributors criticised this statement for its interpretation of ‘new and additional’.119 The NGOs …
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Government Response
The UK recognises that developing countries need transparency and predictability about what our own and other donors’ commitments mean for the $100bn goal and what aggregate levels of climate finance …
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56
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
Contributors raised significant concerns around the accuracy of the amount of global international climate finance...
Contributors raised significant concerns around the accuracy of the amount of global international climate finance that is being reported as pledged and disbursed for adaptation by the UK and other donor countries.123 In its report published in January 2021, CARE …
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Government Response
The UK recognises that developing countries need transparency and predictability about what our own and other donors’ commitments mean for the $100bn goal and what aggregate levels of climate finance …
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57
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
In their paper on climate finance, Roberts et al state that funding is “insecure”, unpredictable...
In their paper on climate finance, Roberts et al state that funding is “insecure”, unpredictable and based on a “fragmented institutional architecture” which low- and middle-income countries cannot influence sufficiently.126 In their words: climate funds are funnelled through over 100 …
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Government Response
The UK recognises that developing countries need transparency and predictability about what our own and other donors’ commitments mean for the $100bn goal and what aggregate levels of climate finance …
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58
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
Marek Soanes, Researcher in Climate Finance at the IIED, told us in relation to marginalised...
Marek Soanes, Researcher in Climate Finance at the IIED, told us in relation to marginalised groups that “It is just impossible to understand where the money is actually hitting their pockets”.128
59
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
At the Climate and Development Ministerial in March 2021, LDCs and SIDS offered practical solutions...
At the Climate and Development Ministerial in March 2021, LDCs and SIDS offered practical solutions to improve access to climate finance.129 According to the IIED, these solutions included establishing a Taskforce on Access to Climate Finance headed by the UK …
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Government Response
While the amount of available climate finance is increasing, current mechanisms for accessing climate finance are often slow, complex, resource intensive, uncertain, and project based. Insufficient coherence also leaves developing …
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60
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
Although the UK was rated among the better performers in this report, CARE stated that,...
Although the UK was rated among the better performers in this report, CARE stated that, like other countries, the data provided by the UK lacked clarity and completeness in terms of the recipients and programmes to be funded.132
Government Response
The UK recognises that developing countries need transparency and predictability about what our own and other donors’ commitments mean for the $100bn goal and what aggregate levels of climate finance …
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61
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
The FCDO told us that the UK reported its ICF at programme level—that is, a...
The FCDO told us that the UK reported its ICF at programme level—that is, a more granular level—to the UNFCCC, and provided details such as programme codes.133 It also told us that all its programme documentation is held in the …
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Government Response
The UK recognises that developing countries need transparency and predictability about what our own and other donors’ commitments mean for the $100bn goal and what aggregate levels of climate finance …
Read more
62
Recommendation
Second Report - Global Britain in …
We believe that the current level of ICF is fundamentally over-reported, reducing the credibility of...
We believe that the current level of ICF is fundamentally over-reported, reducing the credibility of declarations and scope for achieving climate adaptation and resilience. We are calling for full transparency in the reporting of climate finance to enhance the ability …
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63
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
The volume of greenhouse gas emissions has a significant impact on the capacity of LDCs...
The volume of greenhouse gas emissions has a significant impact on the capacity of LDCs and SIDS to adapt to climate change. On 9 August 2021, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) published its Sixth Assessment report, which the …
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64
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
In March 2021, the Government introduced its new fossil fuel policy, which mirrors that of...
In March 2021, the Government introduced its new fossil fuel policy, which mirrors that of its development finance institution, the CDC Group (CDC). Both ban new, direct financial or promotional support for the fossil fuel energy sector137 abroad except for …
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Government Response
At COP26, the UK launched the Energy Transition Council, with over 20 governments and over 15 international institutions participating, to support countries’ transitions to clean power. The Council’s Rapid Response …
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Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
Contributors expressed concerns about the Government’s fossil fuel policy and its impact on the investments...
Contributors expressed concerns about the Government’s fossil fuel policy and its impact on the investments made by the Government affiliates CDC, UK Export Finance (UKEF) and the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG).140 Dario Kenner, Lead Analyst on Sustainable Economic Development …
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Government Response
At COP26, the UK launched the Energy Transition Council, with over 20 governments and over 15 international institutions participating, to support countries’ transitions to clean power. The Council’s Rapid Response …
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We also heard concerns about CDC’s level of transparency in its reporting.
We also heard concerns about CDC’s level of transparency in its reporting. Dario Kenner told us that although the level of information provided on CDC’s website had improved “a great deal”, third parties sought more disclosure of data especially in …
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Government Response
At COP26, the UK launched the Energy Transition Council, with over 20 governments and over 15 international institutions participating, to support countries’ transitions to clean power. The Council’s Rapid Response …
Read more
67
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
Contributors told us that despite the official “arms-length” relationship between the Government and CDC, the...
Contributors told us that despite the official “arms-length” relationship between the Government and CDC, the Government had ample scope to influence the latter’s operations and decisions as its sole shareholder.145 NGOs are seeking greater Government influence on CDC’s operations to …
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Government Response
At COP26, the UK launched the Energy Transition Council, with over 20 governments and over 15 international institutions participating, to support countries’ transitions to clean power. The Council’s Rapid Response …
Read more
68
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
The FCDO told us that the Government’s new fossil fuel policy “determines the UK’s voting...
The FCDO told us that the Government’s new fossil fuel policy “determines the UK’s voting position at the boards of Multilateral Development Banks and can be used to influence the investment policies of other development financial institutions (such CDC Group …
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Government Response
At COP26, the UK launched the Energy Transition Council, with over 20 governments and over 15 international institutions participating, to support countries’ transitions to clean power. The Council’s Rapid Response …
Read more
69
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
The FCDO also stated that it would accelerate the transition to clean energy through the...
The FCDO also stated that it would accelerate the transition to clean energy through the COP26 Energy Transition Council, which would “bring together energy ministers, leaders of multilateral development banks, and heads of expert agencies […] to ensure that for …
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Government Response
At COP26, the UK launched the Energy Transition Council, with over 20 governments and over 15 international institutions participating, to support countries’ transitions to clean power. The Council’s Rapid Response …
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70
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
In July 2020, CDC presented its new Climate Change Strategy, with the aim of further...
In July 2020, CDC presented its new Climate Change Strategy, with the aim of further aligning CDC’s measures with the Paris Agreement.150 CDC told us that it had committed over US$1 billion in climate finance since 2017, including for measures …
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Government Response
At COP26, BII committed to invest over £3bn in climate finance over the next five years—accelerating its already substantial investment in renewable energy (over $1 billion since 2017). In addition, …
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Conclusion
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On the exemptions to CDC’s new fossil fuel policy, Colin Buckley, General Counsel and Head...
On the exemptions to CDC’s new fossil fuel policy, Colin Buckley, General Counsel and Head of External Affairs at CDC, told us that it would “respect the individual country road maps to net zero” as “developing countries will all have …
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Government Response
The exemptions are applicable to a small number of situations and are necessary to make this policy work in the real world and allow an orderly transition away from fossil …
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Second Report - Global Britain in …
On the pace of transition, CDC state on their webpage that: we avoid short-term policy...
On the pace of transition, CDC state on their webpage that: we avoid short-term policy changes. We are a long-term investor who thinks in decades rather than years.155 Colin Buckley told us that the perceived slow pace at aligning with …
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Government Response
Responsible exits are a key part of BII’s mandate. BII does not intend to offload the emissions problems in developing countries onto other investors. Instead, it will actively support companies …
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Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
On transparency and availability of data on CDC investments, Dr Amal-Lee Amin, Director of Climate...
On transparency and availability of data on CDC investments, Dr Amal-Lee Amin, Director of Climate Change, Value Creation Strategies team at the CDC, stated that it was “very much an evolving process.”158
Government Response
BII publishes information on all of its investments on its website https://www.cdcgroup. com/en/, this includes details on both direct and indirect investments. BII has been reporting under the Taskforce on …
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74
Recommendation
Second Report - Global Britain in …
We are concerned about the broad list of exemptions in the Government’s new fossil fuel...
We are concerned about the broad list of exemptions in the Government’s new fossil fuel policy as it raises questions about the UK’s credibility as a “force for good” and its commitment to net zero. We therefore urge the Government …
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75
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
We heard that loss and damage159 remained underserved in international climate action—even more so than...
We heard that loss and damage159 remained underserved in international climate action—even more so than climate adaptation.160 Contributors called for new and additional funding for loss and damage and for a more ambitious approach to addressing loss and damage.161 Bond …
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Government Response
Government response: Partially agree The UK COP26 Presidency gave Adaptation, Loss and Damage (ALD) greater prominence than at any other COP. This included a special event on Loss and Damage …
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H.E.
H.E. Diann Black-Layne, Lead Negotiator on Climate Change, Alliance of Small Island States, told us that: The frequency and intensity [of hurricanes] is increasing, and this increase is caused by pollution that is not our fault. […] Ideally, climate justice …
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Government Response
Government response: Partially agree The UK COP26 Presidency gave Adaptation, Loss and Damage (ALD) greater prominence than at any other COP. This included a special event on Loss and Damage …
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77
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
At the Climate and Development Ministerial on 31 March 2021, the Government launched the ‘Climate...
At the Climate and Development Ministerial on 31 March 2021, the Government launched the ‘Climate and Development Pathway’, including the commitment to operationalise the Santiago Network for Loss and Damage before COP26.166 While participants of a subsequent Ministerial meeting on …
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Government Response
Government response: Partially agree The UK COP26 Presidency gave Adaptation, Loss and Damage (ALD) greater prominence than at any other COP. This included a special event on Loss and Damage …
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Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
The FCDO told us that the Government would use its COP26 presidency “to increase efforts...
The FCDO told us that the Government would use its COP26 presidency “to increase efforts to avert, minimise and address the challenges arising from loss and damage, including through effective disaster preparedness, risk reduction and response.”168
Government Response
Government response: Partially agree The UK COP26 Presidency gave Adaptation, Loss and Damage (ALD) greater prominence than at any other COP. This included a special event on Loss and Damage …
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Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
Lord Goldsmith agreed with the premise that those who had done the least were suffering...
Lord Goldsmith agreed with the premise that those who had done the least were suffering the most from climate change but considered the introduction of a separate finance stream for loss and damage “highly unlikely”.169 He said: it is a …
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Government Response
Government response: Partially agree The UK COP26 Presidency gave Adaptation, Loss and Damage (ALD) greater prominence than at any other COP. This included a special event on Loss and Damage …
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He added that: Our approach of pushing very hard for a clear, even split between...
He added that: Our approach of pushing very hard for a clear, even split between adaptation and mitigation is, in a sense, probably the most elegant way through what would otherwise be an impasse, by getting countries that may not …
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Government Response
Government response: Partially agree The UK COP26 Presidency gave Adaptation, Loss and Damage (ALD) greater prominence than at any other COP. This included a special event on Loss and Damage …
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81
Recommendation
Second Report - Global Britain in …
We understand the call of many contributors to create a separate funding stream for loss...
We understand the call of many contributors to create a separate funding stream for loss and damage from climate events, such as from sea-level rise, and acknowledge the challenges in accomplishing this at this time. Nonetheless, we urge the Government …
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82
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Second Report - Global Britain in …
As a “stress multiplier”,172 climate change could increase the number of people living in poverty...
As a “stress multiplier”,172 climate change could increase the number of people living in poverty by an additional 100 million by 2030,173 while covid-19 and its secondary impacts have significantly slowed down the economic and social development of particularly marginalised …
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83
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
COP26 is the starting point of a one-year opportunity for the UK to shape the...
COP26 is the starting point of a one-year opportunity for the UK to shape the direction of climate action and development in this decade significantly. As COP President, the UK 168 Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (CDC0016) 169 Q125 [Lord …
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84
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Second Report - Global Britain in …
Contributors told us, however, that the cuts to ODA reduce the scope for the UK...
Contributors told us, however, that the cuts to ODA reduce the scope for the UK to support vulnerable countries to address climate change alongside the impact of the covid-19 pandemic and high levels of public debt.175 We were also told …
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Government Response
Government response: Partially agree As set out by the Prime Minister in the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy, tackling climate change and biodiversity loss, and remaining …
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85
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
H.E.
H.E. Ms Diann Black-Layne, Lead Negotiator for the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), spoke of a “broken trust” of LDCs and SIDS in the credibility of the UK and other donors because of the failure to contribute US$100 billion …
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86
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
The FCDO told us that COP26 “is a key demonstration of the government’s vision of...
The FCDO told us that COP26 “is a key demonstration of the government’s vision of a Global Britain, the UK’s diplomatic and international convening power, and the newly formed FCDO.”180 During its COP presidency, the UK could put in place …
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87
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
On 31 March 2021, the Government hosted a Climate and Development Ministerial to discuss the...
On 31 March 2021, the Government hosted a Climate and Development Ministerial to discuss the challenges and priorities for delivering the Paris Climate Agreement and meeting the SDGs.181 The meeting brought together ministers of 35 countries and representatives of international …
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Second Report - Global Britain in …
Bond and CAN UK told us that the Ministerial had failed to address loss and...
Bond and CAN UK told us that the Ministerial had failed to address loss and damage directly.183 Further, the International Committee of the Red Cross highlighted a distinct lack of mentioning conflict and fragility in the Chair’s summary and the …
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Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
The FCDO told us that the Climate and Development Ministerial had been a “key step...
The FCDO told us that the Climate and Development Ministerial had been a “key step in demonstrating that the UK Presidency and wider donor community is listening to and actively working to address the concerns of climate vulnerable countries”.185
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Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
Overall, we consider the Ministerial a notable step in making the UK a “force for...
Overall, we consider the Ministerial a notable step in making the UK a “force for good” and increasing the Government’s credibility as climate leader. We therefore agree with contributors that delivering on the issues raised at the Ministerial would help …
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91
Recommendation
Second Report - Global Britain in …
We welcome the Government holding a Climate and Development Ministerial meeting in March 2021 to...
We welcome the Government holding a Climate and Development Ministerial meeting in March 2021 to capture the concerns of climate-vulnerable countries in the run-up to COP26. We recommend that the FCDO hosts a Climate and Development Ministerial with climate-vulnerable countries …
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92
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
In 2019, our predecessor Committee heard that DFID had been “hollowed out in terms of...
In 2019, our predecessor Committee heard that DFID had been “hollowed out in terms of expertise”.187 Two years later, the FCDO’s largest thematic network consists of climate, energy and environment attachés and advisors.188 Alongside the FCDO, the Government also created …
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93
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
The FCDO has taken a number of encouraging steps to address the impact of climate...
The FCDO has taken a number of encouraging steps to address the impact of climate change in vulnerable countries such as the “Race to Resilience” campaign, the Adaptation Action Coalition, backing the Least Developed Countries Initiative for Effective Adaptation and …
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Government Response
The UK has a strong track record of promoting community-based or locally-led adaptation through previous programmes such as the Building Resilience and Adaptation to Climate Extremes and Disasters (BRACED, 2014–2019) …
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Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
Having heard of the challenges vulnerable countries and communities face and the measures taken by...
Having heard of the challenges vulnerable countries and communities face and the measures taken by the Government, we would see value in the introduction of a Climate and Development Minister in the FCDO with a focus on adaptation and resilience. …
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Government Response
Government response: Partially agree As set out by the Prime Minister in the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy, tackling climate change and biodiversity loss, and remaining …
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95
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
Tackling climate change and biodiversity loss as the Government’s “number one international priority” will inevitably...
Tackling climate change and biodiversity loss as the Government’s “number one international priority” will inevitably involve international development. We are concerned that the Integrated Review does not include explicit initiatives building the capacity of FCDO’s network to maximise the synergies …
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Government Response
Government response: Partially agree As set out by the Prime Minister in the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy, tackling climate change and biodiversity loss, and remaining …
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96
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
A failure to anchor climate change in development and to ensure greater policy coherence in...
A failure to anchor climate change in development and to ensure greater policy coherence in Whitehall will increase the scope for maladaptation, the negative consequences of poorly designed Nature-based Solutions and wasteful spending of the reduced ODA. By introducing a …
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Government Response
Government response: Partially agree As set out by the Prime Minister in the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy, tackling climate change and biodiversity loss, and remaining …
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97
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in …
We believe that climate and development are closely intertwined.
We believe that climate and development are closely intertwined. The Integrated Review prioritises climate change “in 2021 and beyond” and suggests using UK ODA to increase the Government’s impact as a “force for good”. We therefore recommend the introduction of …
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Government Response
Government response: Partially agree As set out by the Prime Minister in the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy, tackling climate change and biodiversity loss, and remaining …
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Correspondence 1 letter
17 Nov 2021
From committee
Letter to the Rt Hon Alok Sharma MP, COP 26 President regarding the International Development Committee report on Global Britain in demand: UK climate action and international development around COP26 and survey on UK climate action - 16 November 2021
Parliament page