Recommendations & Conclusions
59 items
1
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 UK’s delivery of climate action and more just another tick …
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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 UK’s delivery of climate action and more just another tick box in project design. If adaptation is meant to protect the most marginalised people, the focus should be on improving their well-being and on the root causes of their social vulnerability. By investing in nature as a ‘default position’ instead of in partnership with local communities, the FCDO risks reinforcing or even worsening the vulnerabilities of marginalised groups and contributing to their displacement, continued discrimination or impoverishment.
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Government response AI summary
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 …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
3
Recommendation
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 climate adaptation programme cycles. The FCDO should also provide multiannual …
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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 climate adaptation programme cycles. The FCDO should also provide multiannual funding for the Least Developed Countries Initiative for Effective Adaptation and Resilience (LIFE-AR). Further, in line with the fourth Principle for Locally-Led Adaptation, “Investing in local capabilities to leave an institutional legacy”, the UK should sponsor courses in climate change and development in civil service training institutes and universities in LDCs and SIDS reflecting their priorities as well as offer training and exchange programmes in the UK for civil servants from LDCs and SIDS. (Paragraph 33) 1 Gov.uk, PM remarks at the Petersberg Climate Dialogue: 6 May 2021, 6 May 2021 4 Global Britain in demand: UK climate action and international development around COP26 Providing sufficient, long-term and reliable funding
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Government response AI summary
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 …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
9
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 between departments dealing with development, climate, energy and the environment.
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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 between departments dealing with development, climate, energy and the environment.
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Government response AI summary
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 …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
10
Recommendation
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 Climate and Development Minister, the UK would demonstrate that it …
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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 Climate and Development Minister, the UK would demonstrate that it is putting its words into action and implementing its Integrated Review and the concept of Global Britain in a coherent manner.
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Government response AI summary
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 …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
11
Recommendation
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 a Climate and Development Minister at the FCDO with a …
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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 a Climate and Development Minister at the FCDO with a focus on adaptation and resilience to ensure alignment between the FCDO’s climate and development strategies during COP26 and beyond. (Paragraph 97) 6 Global Britain in demand: UK climate action and international development around COP26 Summary Global Britain has a great opportunity to be a “force for good” in climate action and international development. The last year has been particularly challenging for low- and middle-income countries and marginalised communities, as they have been bearing the brunt of an increasingly unstable climate, while addressing the impacts of covid-19. The UK’s presidency of COP26 comes at an important time in climate action and development. Decisions taken at COP26 will influence the fates of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and of the Paris Agreement. The list of outstanding tasks for the Government is considerable but the UK has the diplomatic network, influence, funds and soft power to steer international climate action in the right direction and at least start addressing some of the challenges for the Global South during its COP presidency. In our inquiry, we focussed on climate change adaptation (adaptation) and resilience. We heard that adaptation in the most climate-vulnerable countries and communities often lacked sufficient funding and expertise to improve conditions over a longer period of time. We also heard that the countries and groups which are most vulnerable to climate change struggled to access timely and sufficient amounts of funding due to cumbersome application processes and ill-defined purposes of instruments and key terms. Although we welcome the Government’s actions on adaptation and resilience, we
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Government response AI summary
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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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
13
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 COP26. On 25 January 2021, the Government committed itself to …
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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 COP26. On 25 January 2021, the Government committed itself to the ‘Principles for Locally-Led Adaptation’ alongside forty institutions such as Irish Aid, the UN Development Programme (UNDP), and Zurich Insurance.29 The eight principles include devolving decision-making to the lowest appropriate level, tackling structural inequalities faced by marginalised groups and providing patient and predictable funding which is more readily accessible.30
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Government response AI summary
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 …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
15
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 marginalised groups, particularly those from parts of the world that …
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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 marginalised groups, particularly those from parts of the world that are most adversely affected by climate change can express their priorities and concerns on an equal basis.34
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Government response AI summary
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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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
16
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 climate fund: the UK Government are not so vocal about …
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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 climate fund: the UK Government are not so vocal about indigenous people or local community action.35
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Government response AI summary
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 …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
17
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 pretty robust and holistic one”.36 He said: 28 Foreign, Commonwealth …
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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 pretty robust and holistic one”.36 He said: 28 Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (CDC0016) 29 IIED, Forty governments and leading institutions commit to support locall- led climate adaptation, 25 January 2021 30 IIED, Forty governments and leading institutions commit to support locally-led climate adaptation, 25 January 2021 31 Gov.uk, New Global Coalition launched to address impacts of Climate Change, 25 January 2021 32 Gov.uk, Adaptation Action Coalition: an overview, 5 August 2021 33 Gov.uk, Climate Adaptation Summit Talks: launching the Race to Resilience, 25 January 2021 34 Gov.uk, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland’s Adaptation Communication to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, pp.25–26, 12 December 2020 35 Q48 [Eileen Mairena Cunningham] 36 Q113 [Lord Zac Goldsmith] 12 Global Britain in demand: UK climate action and international development around COP26 I can say with absolute certainty that, if there was a sense that, by doing a particular thing to tackle one problem, we were going to be generating another problem, that would show up in the comprehensive process that FCDO pursues.37
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Government response AI summary
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 …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
20
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 the climate if done well, or in “disastrous outcomes” if …
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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 the climate if done well, or in “disastrous outcomes” if not carefully embedded into local social and ecological systems.41
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Government response AI summary
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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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
22
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 nature-based solutions.44 37 Q113 [Lord Zac Goldsmith] 38 Q113 [Vel …
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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 nature-based solutions.44 37 Q113 [Lord Zac Goldsmith] 38 Q113 [Vel Gnanendran] 39 International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Nature-based Solutions, accessed 26 October 2021 40 Christian Aid (CDC0047), Institute of Development Studies (CDC0015), Tearfund (CDC0031) 41 Christian Aid (CDC0047) 42 Institute of Development Studies (CDC0015) 43 Institute of Development Studies (CDC0015) 44 Gov.uk, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland’s Adaptation Communication to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, p.23, 12 December 2020 Global Britain in demand: UK climate action and international development around COP26 13
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Government response AI summary
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 …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
23
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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, restore and sustainably manage nature”.45 Lord Goldsmith said that: You …
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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, restore and sustainably manage nature”.45 Lord Goldsmith said that: You tend to get much more bang for your buck investing in nature-based solutions. You tend to be dealing with mitigation, adaptation, poverty and a whole bunch of other issues when you invest in nature as your default position to solve problems.46
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Government response AI summary
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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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
24
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 UK’s delivery of climate action and more just another tick …
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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 UK’s delivery of climate action and more just another tick box in project design. If adaptation is meant to protect the most marginalised people, the focus should be on improving their well-being and on the root causes of their social vulnerability. By investing in nature as a ‘default position’ instead of in partnership with local communities, the FCDO risks reinforcing or even worsening the vulnerabilities of marginalised groups and contributing to their displacement, continued discrimination or impoverishment.
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Government response AI summary
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 …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
26
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 even if they were successful; and • were often accompanied …
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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 even if they were successful; and • were often accompanied by high-cost, short-term consultants.47 45 Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (CDC0016) 46 Q107 [Lord Zac Goldsmith] 47 International Development Committee, UK aid for combating climate change (HC 1432), Paragraphs 77–88, 8 May 2019 14 Global Britain in demand: UK climate action and international development around COP26
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Government response AI summary
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 …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
27
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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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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 AI summary
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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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
28
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 expertise to plan and implement adaptation programmes by themselves in …
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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 expertise to plan and implement adaptation programmes by themselves in the long term.49 In her words: Capacity is not being built at a national level […] When the consultants are gone, their knowledge goes with them.50
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Government response AI summary
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 …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
29
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 in the Global South might appear to be running for …
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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 in the Global South might appear to be running for longer in individual LDCs than they are. Julius Ng’oma gave us the example of a project funded by the Scottish Government, which had already been running for two years by the start of its implementation in Malawi.54 In his words: On paper, the project would appear to be for five years. Because it has some international attachments to it with international advocacy […], we tend to have a short-term project of three years. Two years have already been done, maybe in the UK or somewhere else. Then they want to get experience from Malawi […]. That has always been a problem.55
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Government response AI summary
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 …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
30
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 less, with many programmes terminated even earlier due to change …
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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 less, with many programmes terminated even earlier due to change of donor priorities rather than the performance or quality of the project in itself.57 Julius Ng’oma told us that: With these one, two or three-year projects, if it is a resilience-building or capacity-building project, we introduce the project to the communities, but […] [they] are always so short term that we cannot even see or elaborate the impact on the ground. […] They would come to Malawi and try to build 48 Q8 [Dr Lisa Schipper], Q19 [Cecília da Silva Bernardo], Q29 [Suranjana Gupta], Q30 [Julius Ng’oma], Q45 [Eileen Mairena Cunningham], Q54 [Marek Soanes] 49 Q14 [Cecilia da Silva Bernardo] 50 Q19 [Cecília da Silva Bernardo] 51 Q27 [Julius Ng’oma] 52 Q30 [Julius Ng’oma] 53 Q29 [Suranjana Gupta], Q30 [Julius Ng’oma] 54 Q32 [Julius Ng’oma] 55 Q32 [Julius Ng’oma] 56 Q52 [Marek Soanes], International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) (CDC0048), World Vision UK (CDC0008) 57 International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) (CDC0048) Global Britain in demand: UK climate action and international development around COP26 15 capacity in civil society and grassroots organisations, but they then leave them with only the experience to show that this is something that can work without having the funding to upscale […].58
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Government response AI summary
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 …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
31
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 that “there is significant wasted impact, wasted resources and wasted …
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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 that “there is significant wasted impact, wasted resources and wasted cost” in doing so and that: We will also lose the trust of the communities that are involved in these projects and leaving them vulnerable and facing impacts for the next few years until that can be picked up again.60 UK’s response—capacity-building
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Government response AI summary
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 …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
32
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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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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 AI summary
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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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
33
Recommendation
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 climate adaptation programme cycles. The FCDO should also provide multiannual …
Read more
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 climate adaptation programme cycles. The FCDO should also provide multiannual funding for the Least Developed Countries Initiative for Effective Adaptation and Resilience (LIFE-AR). Further, in line with the fourth Principle for Locally-Led Adaptation, “Investing in local capabilities to leave an institutional legacy”, the UK should sponsor courses in climate change and development in civil service training institutes and universities in LDCs and SIDS reflecting their priorities as well as offer training and exchange programmes in the UK for civil servants from LDCs and SIDS. 58 Q32 [Julius Ng’oma] 59 Q57 [Catherine Pettengell] 60 Q57 [Catherine Pettengell] 61 UK Parliament, UK aid for combating climate change: Government Response to the Committee’s Eleventh Report, Twelfth Special Report, point 11, 18 July 2019 16 Global Britain in demand: UK climate action and international development around COP26 3 Providing sufficient, long-term and reliable funding We cannot continue with a situation where adaptation is the poor cousin of mitigation. Rt Hon Alok Sharma MP62 Volume of funding for climate adaptation
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Government response AI summary
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 …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
34
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 and additional, predictable and adequate funding” to meet “a goal …
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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 and additional, predictable and adequate funding” to meet “a goal of mobilizing jointly US$100 billion per year by 2020 to address the needs of developing countries” in addressing climate finance through mitigation and adaptation.64 The Paris Agreement committed nations to provide a balance of support to adaptation and mitigation.65
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Government response AI summary
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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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
35
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 that adaptation already costs low- and middle-income countries an estimated …
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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 that adaptation already costs low- and middle-income countries an estimated US$70 billion per year and that this is set to rise to US$ 140–300 billion in 2030. At COP21 in Paris (2015), the Parties agreed to set US$100 billion per year as the minimum target from 2020 to 2025.68 UK’s response—UK International Climate Finance (UK ICF)
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Government response AI summary
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 …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
38
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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, UK Biennial Finance Communication to the UN Framework Convention on …
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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, UK Biennial Finance Communication to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change 2020, p.4, 12 December 2020 74 Gov.uk, Global Britain in a Competitive Age: the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy, p.48, 16 March 2021 75 HC Deb, 13 July 2021, Columns 225 - 228 [Commons Chamber] 76 WaterAid (CDC0023) 77 CARE International UK (CDC0029), WaterAid (CDC0023) 78 Chair of the LDC Group Mr Sonam Phuntsho Wangdi. See: Climate Change News, UK aid budget cuts undermine trust ahead of Cop26 summit, experts warn, 25 November 2020 79 Bond and Climate Action Network UK (CAN-UK) (CDC0045), International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) (CDC0048) 80 Q57 [Marek Soanes] 81 Q17 [Diann Black-Layne] 82 Qq16–18 [Diann Black-Layne], Q43 [Gebru Jember], Q45 [Eileen Mairena Cunningham], Q55 [Marek Soanes] 83 OECD, Climate Finance Provided and Mobilised by Developed Countries in 2013–18, p.9, 6 November 2020 18 Global Britain in demand: UK climate action and international development around COP26
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Government response AI summary
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 …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
39
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 enable better access to climate finance.86
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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 enable better access to climate finance.86
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Government response AI summary
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. …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 AI summary
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 …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
41
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 not development finance.88
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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 not development finance.88
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Government response AI summary
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 …
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Conclusion
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Accepted
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 of funds even further..89 In his words: They [the Board …
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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 of funds even further..89 In his words: They [the Board of the GCF] do not even want to give the GCF secretariat the right to approve small-scale projects. There are a number of projects that are waiting for the board to approve them. […] There are […] resources being kept there, but they are not accessible for local communities in vulnerable countries.90
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Government response AI summary
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, …
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Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 means the cost for adaptation and mitigation becomes more and …
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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 means the cost for adaptation and mitigation becomes more and more. The initial plan may be for X amount, but when you receive the finance it is underestimated.91
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Government response AI summary
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 …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
44
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 means to “assess whether they [applicants] are capable of strong …
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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 means to “assess whether they [applicants] are capable of strong financial management and of safeguarding funded projects and programmes”.93 Gebru Jember told us that: 84 The Green Climate Fund, About Us, accessed 26 October 2021 85 “140. We heard that accessing climate finance through the GCF can be challenging for developing countries” due to the GCF’s “high environmental, social, governance and fiduciary standards”. See: International Development Committee, UK aid for combating climate change (HC 1432), Paragraph 140, 8 May 2019 86 International Development Committee, UK aid for combating climate change (HC 1432), Paragraph 146, 8 May 2019 87 House of Commons, International Development Committee, Oral evidence: Climate change, development and COP26, HC 99, 22 June 2021 and 6 July 2021 88 Q17 [Diann Black-Layne] 89 Q43 [Gebru Jember] 90 Q43 [Gebru Jember] 91 Q41 [Gebru Jember] 92 Q31 [Julius Ng’oma], Q45 [Eileen Mairena Cunningham], Q47 [Gebru Jember] 93 Green Climate Fund, Entity Accreditation, accessed 26 October 2021 Global Britain in demand: UK climate action and international development around COP26 19 the accreditation of [LDC] institutions […] is becoming a challenge. If a country needs to register for access to large-scale finance, it is not easy. Even small-scale accreditation takes years.94
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Government response AI summary
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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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 through central governments over tailoring and targeting locally, and directly …
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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 through central governments over tailoring and targeting locally, and directly financing local organisations”, according to the British Red Cross.95
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Government response AI summary
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 …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
46
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 - the Civil Society Network on Climate Change (CISONECC) – had …
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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 - the Civil Society Network on Climate Change (CISONECC) – had always accessed resources from the FCDO, DFID and the Scottish Government indirectly through international organisations which reduced the amount available to address climate change locally.97 In his words: The two or three organisations in between would always require so many things, such as administrative costs and so on and so forth. By the time the resources would get to a network like CISONECC and then to a grassroots organisation, the money is too little to make an impact on the ground.98
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Government response AI summary
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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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 access a fund are really difficult and it is always …
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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 access a fund are really difficult and it is always done through third parties.100 […] All of this [application] process makes it so difficult for indigenous people to access the funds. We have to go through accredited entities. […] We do not have direct access to these funds; […] we cannot decide how this process should be in our lands and territories.101 UK’s response—access
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Government response AI summary
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 …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 in the GCF.105 It has also facilitated work on a …
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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 in the GCF.105 It has also facilitated work on a simpler approval process, more direct funding for national, regional and local organisations and on increasing the share of GCF adaptation funding earmarked for LDCs and SIDS from 50% to 69%.106
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Government response AI summary
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 …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 be approved, but it will take some time to be …
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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 be approved, but it will take some time to be implemented.108 Asked about how long it would take for access to climate finance to get easier, Lord Goldsmith said: I am not sure that there will ever be a particular endpoint. The GCF is going to have to work continuously on improving the manner in which it relates to the grantee countries.109
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Government response AI summary
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 …
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
53
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 year stated that funding would be derived from bilateral, multilateral …
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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 year stated that funding would be derived from bilateral, multilateral and alternative sources which could be public or private, it failed to mention clearly what should be counted as climate finance within those categories.114 As a result, high-income countries have been able to decide themselves what they report as climate finance, making comparison and analysis challenging.115
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Government response AI summary
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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Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 International wrote that “current official figures for adaptation finance are …
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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 International wrote that “current official figures for adaptation finance are severely overstated and far too high” with US$2.6 billion out of the US$6.2 billion reported as climate adaptation being over-reported.124 It further stated that “donors commonly report more than the actual costs of the adaptation activities in their projects as adaptation finance”.125
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Government response AI summary
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 …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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Conclusion
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Accepted
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 AI summary
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 …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 and Fiji, harmonising and simplifying procedures to access directly ICF …
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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 and Fiji, harmonising and simplifying procedures to access directly ICF from multilateral funds and developing a clear and shared functional definition of climate finance that emphasises the importance of experimenting and taking risks to find effective 120 Bond SDG Group, Sightsavers (CDC0007), CARE International UK (CDC0029), Practical Action (CDC0040), Quakers in Britain (CDC0004), Tearfund (CDC0031) 121 Bond and Climate Action Network UK (CAN-UK) (CDC0045) 122 Bond and Climate Action Network UK (CAN-UK) (CDC0045) 123 Q53 [Cat Pettengell], Q54 [Marek Soanes], Q65 [Laurie Lee]. E3G (Third Generation Environmentalism) (CDC0027), Islamic Relief UK (CDC0041), Practical Action (CDC0040) 124 CARE International, Climate adaptation finance: Fact or fiction?, p.4, 21 January 2021. Research covers 112 projects from 2013–2017 in six countries - Ethiopia, Ghana, Nepal, the Philippines, Uganda and Vietnam (see: same source, p.11) 125 CARE International, Climate adaptation finance: Fact or fiction?, p.5, 21 January 2021 126 Roberts, J.T. et al, Rebooting a failed promise of climate finance, Nature Climate Change, Volume 11, p.2, 18 February 2021 127 Roberts, J.T. et al, Rebooting a failed promise of climate finance, Nature Climate Change, Volume 11, p.2, 18 February 2021 128 Q54 [Marek Soanes] 129 UK COP26, Climate & Development Ministerial Chair’s Summary, 1 April 2021 Global Britain in demand: UK climate action and international development around COP26 23 solutions to climate change.130 There has been little progress on access to climate finance as stakeholders disagree on the specifics of the Taskforce, according to a stocktake by civil society organisations in September 2021.131 UK’s response—definition of terms and
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Government response AI summary
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 …
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
60
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 AI summary
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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Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 Development Tracker, which listed “details of contracts and funding arrangements, …
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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 Development Tracker, which listed “details of contracts and funding arrangements, financial data and programme descriptions.”134
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Government response AI summary
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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Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 special, albeit controversial circumstances.138 The Government’s exemptions include:139 • Support …
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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 special, albeit controversial circumstances.138 The Government’s exemptions include:139 • Support for stand-alone generators and Liquid Petroleum Gas for cooking and heating • Stand-alone diesel or gas generators if they are the “only means of providing power in areas where no mains grid connection is available or where grid power is unreliable, especially in humanitarian contexts” • Gas-fired power generation if: Ȥ the host country has a credible nationally determined contribution (NDC) and a long-term pathway to achieving net zero by 2050 in line with the Paris Agreement; Ȥ UK support does not “delay or diminish” transition to renewable energy; Ȥ the project “intends to follow best practice in environmental and social standards”; Ȥ If these cannot be demonstrated: If they are a source of “domestic energy security” and there are no viable alternatives in the form of renewable energy. 135 Q16 [Diann Black-Layne] 136 UN News, IPCC report: ‘Code red’ for human driven global heating, warns UN chief, 9 August 2021 137 The fossil fuel energy sector overseas is defined as “the extraction, production, transportation, refining and marketing of crude oil, natural gas or thermal coal, as well as any fossil-fuel fired power plants.”. See: Gov.uk, Aligning UK international support for the clean energy transition, p.4, 31 March 2021 138 CDC Group, Our fossil fuel policy, pp. 4–5, 12 December 2020; Gov.uk, Aligning UK international support for the clean energy transition, pp. 6–7, 31 March 2021 139 Gov.uk, Aligning UK international support for the clean energy transition, pp. 6–7, 31 March 2021 Global Britain in demand: UK climate action and international development around COP26 25
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Government response AI summary
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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Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 at the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD), told us …
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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 at the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD), told us that: ODA, which is precious and has become more so since the aid cuts, really needs to be going to where it is needed, which is into the low-carbon transition, and particularly in low-income countries.141 NGOs stated that the Government’s climate action was incoherent by professing commitment to climate adaptation while introducing a fossil fuel policy with broad exemptions.142
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Government response AI summary
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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Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 reduce the scope for funding fossil fuel energy sector abroad. …
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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 reduce the scope for funding fossil fuel energy sector abroad. In the words of the Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria: The undue influence of the CDC over government policies means they will continue to enjoy stupendous patronage from government spending to continue fossil fuel infrastructure financing.146 UK’s response—fossil fuel policy
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Government response AI summary
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.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 PLC and the Private Infrastructure Development Group) that receive UK …
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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 PLC and the Private Infrastructure Development Group) that receive UK government funding.”147 140 Bond & CAN-UK (CDC0045), CAFOD (CDC0039), ODI (CDC0035) 141 Q79 [Dario Kenner] 142 Bond & CAN-UK (CDC0045), CAFOD (CDC0039), Global Justice Now (CDC0049), E3G (CDC0027), Tearfund (CDC0031) 143 Q96 [Dario Kenner] 144 Q87 [Dario Kenner] 145 Bond and Climate Action Network UK (CAN-UK) (CDC0045), Friends of the Earth England, Wales and Northern Ireland (CDC0042), Global Justice Now (CDC0049), Tearfund (CDC0031) 146 Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (CDC0021) 147 Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (CDC0016) 26 Global Britain in demand: UK climate action and international development around COP26
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Government response AI summary
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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Conclusion
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Accepted
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 every country considering new power generation, clean power is the …
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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 every country considering new power generation, clean power is the most attractive option.”148 Further, the Government would use UK ODA, UK ICF and their expertise to “help the most coal-dependent communities [...] achieve a just transition.”149
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Government response AI summary
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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Conclusion
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Accepted
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 to provide renewable energy sources to people in hard-to-reach areas.151 …
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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 to provide renewable energy sources to people in hard-to-reach areas.151 It added that gas could play an important transitionary role where renewable energy sources were not yet a reliable alternative.152 As of 2021, it is committing 30% of its funding to climate finance.153
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Government response AI summary
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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Conclusion
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Accepted
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 slightly different paths to get to net zero by 2030”.154
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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 slightly different paths to get to net zero by 2030”.154
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Government response AI summary
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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Conclusion
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Accepted
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 AI summary
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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Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 and CAN-UK told us that: The UK has not yet …
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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 and CAN-UK told us that: The UK has not yet shown the leadership necessary on loss and damage to stand up for those suffering the worst impacts of climate change.162 They added that loss and damage was being subordinated to adaptation despite having an entire Article dedicated to it in the Paris Agreement.163 In their words: The theme of Adaptation and Resilience ignores loss and damage entirely and uses instead the term “resilience” as a blanket term, ostensibly to include loss and damage without explicit recognition.164
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Government response AI summary
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 …
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Conclusion
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Accepted
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 AI summary
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 …
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Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 political issue. If countries wanted to step up, they could, …
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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 political issue. If countries wanted to step up, they could, but it is hard enough getting countries to step up on existing climate commitments for adaptation.170
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Government response AI summary
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 …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
85
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 per year for low- and middle- income countries178—a stark contrast …
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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 per year for low- and middle- income countries178—a stark contrast to the billions that were mobilised comparatively quickly in response to addressing covid-19 by higher income countries.179 UK’s response—leadership
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Government response AI summary
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 …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
86
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 several measures to help deliver its ambition thanks to its …
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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 several measures to help deliver its ambition thanks to its diplomatic reach, ODA and membership of high- level multilateral institutions. Climate and Development Ministerial
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Government response AI summary
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 …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
88
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 small number of participants from conflict-affected countries.184 UK’s response—Climate and …
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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 small number of participants from conflict-affected countries.184 UK’s response—Climate and Development Ministerial
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Government response AI summary
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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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
89
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 AI summary
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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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
90
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 the Government build trust and momentum on decisive issues during …
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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 the Government build trust and momentum on decisive issues during its presidency.186
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Government response AI summary
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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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
92
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 the “Climate and Environment Directorate (CED)” with around 100 members …
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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 the “Climate and Environment Directorate (CED)” with around 100 members of staff within the new Department who are all engaged in COP26.189
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Government response AI summary
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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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
95
Conclusion
Second Report - Global Britain in deman…
Accepted
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 between departments dealing with development, climate, energy and the environment.
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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 between departments dealing with development, climate, energy and the environment.
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Government response AI summary
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 …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office