Source · Select Committees · International Development Committee
Recommendation 22
22
Accepted in Part
Explore synergies between global energy access and climate adaptation through collaborative research networks
Recommendation
The Government must explore the synergies between global energy access and climate adaptation more fully. This could be done by facilitating collaborative research networks internationally to strengthen the knowledge base. Relevant Government programmes should also collaborate to identify options for deeper integration and progress should be tracked through a joint monitoring framework. (Recommendation, Paragraph 70) Research and Innovation for Scale
Government Response Summary
The government partially agrees, recognizing the interconnectedness and supporting collaborative research, and it agrees objectives could be better integrated. It commits to exploring upgrading governance and coordination across the climate finance portfolio, but notes resourcing decisions beyond FY25/26 are not yet taken.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
Government Response: Partially Agree 50. The FCDO understands the interconnectedness between energy access and climate adaptation, including, critically, water security. If well designed, access to energy can help communities reduce their vulnerability to climate change. Social and economic benefits of energy access can contribute to building resilience to climate change, such as health, education, and economic opportunities. Conversely, energy systems and infrastructure need to be adapted and made more resilient to the impact of climate change. 51. We support collaborative research networks and capacity-building initiatives to strengthen the global knowledge base, while our coordination groups seek to align policy and delivery across departments. Progress is tracked through joint monitoring frameworks to maintain coherence and impact. 52. We agree that energy access and climate adaptation objectives could be better integrated across relevant programmes. This coordination is driven by cross-departmental groups and mainstreamed through the UK’s ICF portfolio. We will explore upgrading the governance and coordination across the climate finance portfolio, building on the recommendations of the ICAI review into our Energy Transitions portfolio – and building on the Ayrton Fund experience. 53. There are further opportunities to increase integration and cross-team collaboration on energy access, including areas such as sustainable cooling and solar water pumping as they link with adaptation, as well as reducing pressure on forests and nature through transitions from firewood/charcoal to electricity. However, at this stage, decisions on resourcing prioritisation beyond FY25/26 have not yet been taken, but we commit to bearing the recommendation of the Committee in mind in allocations.