Climate change, development and COP26

International Development Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 21 Apr 2021 Closed: 14 Jan 2022 Parliament page
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 … Read more
19 Recommendations
78 Conclusions
1 Report
3 Oral sessions
1 Letter
3 Events
Activity timeline 6 events
14 Jan
2022
Report published
17 Nov
2021
Correspondence
26 Oct
2021
Report published
20 Jul
2021
Oral evidence
6 Jul
2021
Oral evidence
22 Jun
2021
Oral evidence
Oral evidence sessions 3 sessions
20 Jul 2021
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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
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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
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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
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
59 results
Clear
1 Conclusion Accepted
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
The government partially agreed, recognizing the importance of indigenous and local community leadership in climate solutions and committing £300m to the IPLC Forest Tenure Fund. It also announced £45m for the Community Resilience Partnership Program to empower local communities in locally-led adaptation, directly addressing concerns about social vulnerability and community partnership.
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3 Recommendation Accepted
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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
Government Response
The government accepts the recommendation, noting that its International Climate Finance programmes already average 6-7 years. It announced support for LIFE-AR for another five years at COP26 and is providing seedcorn funding to the Resilience and Adaptation Mainstreaming Programme to develop a global university network for climate change training and capacity building in LDCs and SIDS.
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9 Conclusion Accepted
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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 … Read more
Government Response
The government partially agrees, stating that tackling climate change and being a development leader are key priorities, and highlights the FCDO's integrated structure. They describe existing initiatives, such as a virtual conference and weekly teach-in sessions, which are already building the capability of FCDO's network in climate, energy, and environment.
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10 Recommendation Accepted
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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 … Read more
Government Response
The government partially agrees, asserting that tackling climate change and international development are key priorities for the FCDO, which integrates diplomacy and development. It states that Lord Goldsmith already serves as Minister of State with responsibility for these areas, indicating that strong ministerial oversight is already in place.
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11 Recommendation Accepted
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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 … Read more
Government Response
The government partially agrees, stating that tackling climate change and international development are key priorities for the FCDO. It explains that Lord Goldsmith already serves as Minister of State with responsibility for these areas, indicating that strong ministerial oversight is already in place.
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13 Conclusion Accepted
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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 … Read more
Government Response
The government reaffirms its commitment to locally-led adaptation by highlighting the importance of indigenous and local community leadership. It details actions such as the Glasgow Leaders Declaration, a new initiative to support local adaptation, and £45 million for the Community Resilience Partnership Program, all of which align with the principles the committee noted the government had already committed to.
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15 Conclusion Accepted
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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 … Read more
Government Response
The government outlines its commitment to including indigenous peoples and local communities in climate solutions, citing the Glasgow Leaders Declaration, £45 million in new support for the Community Resilience Partnership Program, and the ‘Hearing from the Frontline’ event at COP26, demonstrating existing efforts.
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16 Conclusion Accepted
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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 … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the fundamental importance of indigenous and local community leadership and outlines numerous initiatives, funding commitments, and diplomatic efforts, including the Glasgow Leaders Declaration and £45 million for the CRPP. This demonstrates active engagement in contrast to the committee's observation that the UK government is not very vocal on these issues in the Green Climate Fund.
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17 Conclusion Accepted
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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 … Read more
Government Response
The government details its commitment to indigenous and local community leadership in climate solutions, citing the Glasgow Leaders Declaration, £45 million in new support for the Community Resilience Partnership Program, and the 'Hearing from the Frontline' event at COP26, demonstrating its robust approach to avoid unintended consequences.
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20 Conclusion Accepted
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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 … Read more
Government Response
The government emphasizes its recognition of indigenous and local community leadership in climate solutions, detailing initiatives like the Glasgow Leaders Declaration and £45 million for the Community Resilience Partnership Program, which support the effective and locally-led implementation of Nature-based Solutions.
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22 Conclusion Accepted
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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 … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the importance of indigenous and local community leadership and elaborates on its commitment to nature-based solutions. It details actions such as the Glasgow Leaders Declaration, a new initiative for local adaptation, £45 million for the CRPP, and COP26 events focused on amplifying local voices, aligning with its earlier communication noted by the committee.
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23 Conclusion Accepted
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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, … Read more
Government Response
The government reinforces its commitment to indigenous and local community leadership in rights- and nature-based climate solutions, outlining initiatives like the Glasgow Leaders Declaration and £45 million for the Community Resilience Partnership Program, which support the FCDO's aims for sustainable land use and nature-based investments.
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24 Conclusion Accepted
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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
The government responds to concerns about social vulnerability by reiterating its recognition of indigenous and local community leadership in climate solutions, citing initiatives like the Glasgow Leaders Declaration and £45 million for the Community Resilience Partnership Program as evidence of its commitment to inclusive and locally-led adaptation.
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26 Conclusion Accepted
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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 … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees with the observation, stating that its International Climate Finance programmes now average 6-7 years, addressing concerns about short-term funding. It also highlights ongoing support for locally-led adaptation initiatives, including LIFE AR for another five years, and funding for the Resilience and Adaptation Mainstreaming Programme to build local capacity.
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27 Conclusion Accepted
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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 Read more
Government Response
The government agrees with the observation, highlighting its track record of promoting locally-led adaptation through existing programmes such as BRACED. It reiterates its commitment to supporting LIFE AR for another five years and funding a global university network to build local capacity.
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28 Conclusion Accepted
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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 … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees with the observation, highlighting its track record of promoting community-based adaptation through previous programmes like BRACED. It also notes ongoing support for LIFE AR for another 5 years and seed funding for a global university network to build local capacity for adaptation planning.
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29 Conclusion Accepted
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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 … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees with the observation, detailing its strong track record in promoting community-based adaptation through programmes like BRACED, and stating that its International Climate Finance programmes now average 6-7 years. It highlights ongoing support for locally-led adaptation through the Global Commission on Adaptation and funding for the Resilience and Adaptation Mainstreaming Programme to build local capacity.
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30 Conclusion Accepted
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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 … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees with the observation regarding project duration and scaling, stating that its International Climate Finance programmes typically last 6-7 years and citing existing and recently extended initiatives like BRACED, LIFE AR, the Global Commission on Adaptation, and RAMP that promote locally-led adaptation and longer-term support.
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31 Conclusion Accepted
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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 … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees with the importance of sustaining effective programmes, demonstrating this by citing existing initiatives, noting the average 6-7 year duration of ICF programmes, announcing 5 more years of support for LIFE AR, and providing additional funding for the LLA Community of Practice and RAMP.
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32 Conclusion Accepted
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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 Read more
Government Response
The government agrees with the principle of long-duration, effective programmes, stating its ICF programmes average 6-7 years, and highlights ongoing and new multi-year commitments like supporting LIFE AR for another 5 years.
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33 Recommendation Accepted
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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
Government Response
The government agrees, stating that average International Climate Finance (ICF) programmes already last 6-7 years. They committed to supporting LIFE-AR for another 5 years and are providing seed funding for the Resilience and Adaptation Mainstreaming Programme (RAMP) to develop a global university network to build local capacity for adaptation planning.
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34 Conclusion Accepted
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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 … Read more
Government Response
The government reports that under the UK’s COP26 Presidency, a commitment was secured to double 2019 levels of adaptation finance by 2025, marking the first time such an adaptation-specific financing goal has been globally agreed, directly addressing the imbalance between mitigation and adaptation funding.
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35 Conclusion Accepted
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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 … Read more
Government Response
The government states that significant progress was made under the UK’s COP26 Presidency, leading to the $100 billion climate finance goal being met by 2023 at the latest. Furthermore, a commitment to double 2019 levels of adaptation finance by 2025 was secured at COP26, marking the first global adaptation-specific financing goal.
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38 Conclusion Accepted
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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, … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees that climate finance access is slow and complex, and has established the Taskforce on Access to Climate Finance, co-chaired by Fiji and the UK, to streamline accreditation and support project-specific approaches. The UK will continue to push for an enhanced accreditation framework at the GCF Board in 2022.
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39 Conclusion Accepted
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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 … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the challenges in accessing Green Climate Fund (GCF) funding and the need for improved efficiency, agreeing that current mechanisms are slow. It details the creation and £100m funding of a Taskforce on Access to Climate Finance (co-chaired by UK/Fiji) to streamline access. The UK also actively supports an enhanced Simplified Approvals Process and improved accreditation for Direct Access Entities within the GCF, committing to continue pursuing these initiatives in 2022.
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40 Conclusion Accepted
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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
The government agrees with the observation that access to climate finance remains challenging, particularly for vulnerable states and organisations, and highlights the creation of a Taskforce on Access to Climate Finance (co-chaired by UK/Fiji) with a £100m commitment to streamline access. The UK is also actively pushing for improved accreditation strategies for Direct Access Entities and an enhanced Simplified Approvals Process at the Green Climate Fund, committing to ongoing efforts in 2022 to progress these initiatives.
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41 Conclusion Accepted
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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 … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees that LDCs and SIDS face difficulties accessing climate finance, and has co-chaired the Taskforce on Access to Climate Finance with Fiji, committing £100m to implement a new streamlined approach. The UK also advocates for an improved accreditation strategy for Direct Access Entities and an enhanced Simplified Approvals Process at the Green Climate Fund to facilitate LDC/SIDS access, committing to continue these efforts in 2022 after failing to secure agreement in 2021.
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42 Conclusion Accepted
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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 … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees that climate finance access, including GCF processes, is slow and complex. It has established the Taskforce on Access to Climate Finance to streamline accreditation, supports a project-specific approach, and is pushing for an accreditation strategy at the GCF to facilitate direct access, committing to continue this work at the GCF Board in 2022.
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43 Conclusion Accepted
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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 … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges that climate finance access mechanisms are slow and complex, and has co-chaired the Taskforce on Access to Climate Finance with Fiji to implement a new approach, committing £100m to this. The UK also champions an enhanced Simplified Approvals Process (SAP) at the Green Climate Fund to expedite project approvals and disbursement, having supported a pilot phase where 23 projects were approved.
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44 Conclusion Accepted
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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 … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges challenges in accessing climate finance and details the creation of the Taskforce on Access to Climate Finance, co-chaired by Fiji and the UK, with a £100m commitment to implement a new approach to streamline access.
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45 Conclusion Accepted
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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 … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the difficulty grassroots organisations face in accessing climate funding due to slow and complex mechanisms. They highlight the creation of the UK/Fiji co-chaired Taskforce on Access to Climate Finance with a £100m commitment to transform how climate finance is accessed, and note their efforts to champion an enhanced Simplified Approvals Process at the Green Climate Fund.
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46 Conclusion Accepted
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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 - … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledged challenges in accessing climate finance and described concrete steps, including co-chairing the Taskforce on Access to Climate Finance, committing £100m to implement a new approach, and championing the Green Climate Fund's enhanced Simplified Approvals Process to streamline access for developing countries.
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47 Conclusion Accepted
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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 … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledged the difficulties marginalized groups face in directly accessing climate funds due to complex processes. It outlined its commitment to improving access by co-chairing the Taskforce on Access to Climate Finance, committing £100m to implement a new approach, and championing an enhanced Simplified Approvals Process for the Green Climate Fund.
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49 Conclusion Accepted
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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 … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges slow and complex climate finance mechanisms, highlighting the UK-Fiji co-chaired Taskforce on Access to Climate Finance, which aims to transform access through a new approach, supported by a £100m UK commitment and pilot countries. The UK also champions the Green Climate Fund's Simplified Approvals Process (SAP) and an enhanced SAP to improve access for LDCs and SIDS.
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50 Conclusion Accepted
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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 … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges slow and complex climate finance mechanisms, highlighting the UK-Fiji co-chaired Taskforce on Access to Climate Finance, which aims to transform access through a new approach, supported by a £100m UK commitment and pilot countries. The UK also champions the Green Climate Fund's Simplified Approvals Process (SAP) and an enhanced SAP to improve access for LDCs and SIDS.
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53 Conclusion Accepted
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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 … Read more
Government Response
The government partially agrees with the assessment of flaws, and outlines actions taken, including publishing a donor commitments list, supporting a Delivery Plan for the $100bn goal, and committing to robust reporting via its Development Tracker and the new Enhanced Transparency Framework.
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56 Conclusion Accepted
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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 … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the need for transparency and predictability in climate finance reporting, committing to a robust approach for its own reporting and encouraging other donors. It supports OECD initiatives to improve reporting standards and has introduced an ICF tag on its Development Tracker, with the Enhanced Transparency Framework also agreed at COP26.
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58 Conclusion Accepted
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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
Government Response
The government partially agreed, outlining steps taken and planned to improve transparency and predictability of climate finance. These include publishing donor commitments, supporting a delivery plan, and committing to more transparent tracking and reporting methods for DAC members by end of 2022, including an ICF tag on the UK's Development Tracker.
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59 Conclusion Accepted
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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 … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the slow and complex mechanisms for accessing climate finance and highlights the creation of the Taskforce on Access to Climate Finance, co-chaired by the UK and Fiji, with £100m committed to a new approach. The UK is also championing an enhanced Simplified Approvals Process at the Green Climate Fund to improve LDC and SIDS access.
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60 Conclusion Accepted
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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 government acknowledges the need for transparent and complete data, committing to robust reporting, encouraging other donors, and supporting OECD initiatives to improve data compatibility, while also implementing an ICF tag on its Development Tracker for more detailed programme information.
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61 Conclusion Accepted
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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 … Read more
Government Response
The government confirmed its commitment to robust climate finance reporting, noting that country-level information is available in UNFCCC and OECD reporting, and the Development Tracker website now includes an ICF tag for climate finance programs with detailed documentation.
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64 Conclusion Accepted
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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 … Read more
Government Response
The government reiterates its existing policy to no longer support the overseas fossil fuel energy sector, justifying the limited exemptions as necessary for an orderly transition and Paris Agreement alignment. It highlights ongoing efforts from COP26 to accelerate the global transition to clean energy.
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65 Conclusion Accepted
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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 … Read more
Government Response
The government states it no longer supports overseas fossil fuel projects, with limited exemptions for an orderly transition, and highlights its COP26 initiatives like the Energy Transition Council to support clean power transitions.
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67 Conclusion Accepted
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 … Read more
Government Response
The government has implemented a new policy, launched at COP26, stating that it no longer supports overseas crude oil, natural gas, or thermal coal projects, with very limited exemptions. An internal cross-Whitehall group monitors project compliance with this policy, addressing concerns about fossil fuel financing.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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68 Conclusion Accepted
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 … Read more
Government Response
The government confirms its new fossil fuel policy, which no longer supports overseas fossil fuel extraction and related activities with very limited, monitored exemptions, and details actions like the Energy Transition Council and COP Presidency campaign to accelerate clean energy transition.
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69 Conclusion Accepted
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 … Read more
Government Response
The government confirms and details actions taken, including launching the Energy Transition Council at COP26 to support countries' transition to clean power and focusing the COP Presidency campaign on accelerating the global transition from coal to clean power.
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70 Conclusion Accepted
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 … Read more
Government Response
The government confirms that BII committed over £3bn in climate finance over the next five years at COP26, further accelerating its investment in renewable energy. BII is also leading other development finance institutions to encourage more private sector investment in adaptation and resilience.
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71 Conclusion Accepted
Second Report - Global Britain in …
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 … Read more
Government Response
The government justifies the exemptions to CDC’s fossil fuel policy, stating they are necessary for an orderly transition, align with Paris temperature goals, and are monitored by an internal cross-Whitehall governance group.
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73 Conclusion Accepted
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
The government details existing transparency measures for BII (formerly CDC) investments, including publishing all investment information on its website, reporting under TCFD since 2019, and plans to continue publishing its energy portfolio.
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75 Conclusion Accepted
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 … Read more
Government Response
The government partially agrees, highlighting the prominence given to Adaptation, Loss and Damage at COP26, including a special event and a discussion paper. It states work is underway across four workstreams of the Climate and Development Ministerial, but does not commit to new and additional funding specifically for loss and damage.
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78 Conclusion Accepted
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
The government partially agrees, detailing how the UK COP26 Presidency gave prominence to Adaptation, Loss and Damage, published a discussion paper outlining commitments, and announced new climate funding for vulnerable countries. They confirmed ongoing work across the four workstreams of the Climate and Development Ministerial to avert, minimise, and address loss and damage.
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79 Conclusion Accepted
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 … Read more
Government Response
The government partially agrees, highlighting the prominence given to Adaptation, Loss and Damage (ALD) at COP26 and outlining ongoing work across four workstreams of the Climate and Development Ministerial. However, it does not commit to introducing a separate finance stream for loss and damage, implicitly aligning with the observed view that it is highly unlikely.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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85 Conclusion Accepted
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 … Read more
Government Response
The government partially agrees, acknowledging the need for transparency and predictability regarding the $100bn goal and donor commitments. It outlines actions taken, including publishing commitments, a Delivery Plan for the $100bn, and commitments to robust reporting, encouraging other donors, and supporting OECD initiatives to improve finance tracking and transparency.
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86 Conclusion Accepted
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 … Read more
Government Response
The government partially agrees, detailing how the UK COP26 Presidency gave prominence to Adaptation, Loss and Damage, published a discussion paper, and committed new climate funding. They affirm ongoing work to deliver on all four workstreams of the Climate and Development Ministerial, including establishing the Taskforce on Access to Finance and progressing adaptation and finance goals.
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88 Conclusion Accepted
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 … Read more
Government Response
The government partially agrees with criticisms that the Ministerial failed to directly address loss and damage, but details actions taken during the COP26 Presidency, such as giving Adaptation, Loss and Damage greater prominence, publishing a discussion paper, and progressing workstreams on impacts of climate change.
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89 Conclusion Accepted
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
Government Response
The government partially agrees with the FCDO's statement that the Climate and Development Ministerial was a key step in addressing concerns of vulnerable countries, detailing actions taken during the COP26 Presidency, including increased prominence for Adaptation, Loss and Damage and progress on four workstreams.
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90 Conclusion Accepted
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 … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees that delivering on the Ministerial's issues helps build trust and momentum, detailing past actions and ongoing work under the COP26 Presidency, including increased prominence for Adaptation, Loss and Damage and established workstreams.
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92 Conclusion Accepted
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 … Read more
Government Response
The government partially agrees with the observation, highlighting the FCDO's structure and ongoing initiatives, such as virtual conferences and weekly teach-in sessions, to build and enhance climate and environment expertise across its global network.
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95 Conclusion Accepted
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 … Read more
Government Response
The government partially agrees, stating that tackling climate change and biodiversity loss is a key priority and that the FCDO integrates diplomacy and development. They outline existing initiatives to build FCDO network capability, including a virtual conference for civil servants and weekly teach-in sessions, which already address the committee's concern.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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Government Response AI assessment · 94 of 19 classified
Accepted 59
Accepted in Part 16
Acknowledged 11
Not Addressed 5
Rejected 3
Total 19 recs + 78 conclusions
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
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