Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Climate Change: Nature-based Solutions

Thursday 23 February 2023 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Kerry McCarthy asked the Minister about discussions on nature-based solutions to climate change.
  • The Minister emphasized the importance of nature-based solutions in the net zero strategy and environmental improvement plan.
  • Kerry McCarthy inquired about the responsibility for conducting research on coastal wetlands to attract investment.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Climate Environment
Context

The question stems from the need to integrate nature-based solutions into climate change strategies, specifically under the Department's role.

Question

What discussions has she had with the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero on her Department's future role in promoting nature-based solutions to climate change?

Answer from Trudy Harrison

Throughout our net zero strategy, and in more detail across the 10 goals and 262 pages of our environmental improvement plan, we have clearly set out that nature-based solutions to net zero are at the heart of everything we are doing.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific discussions with the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero were not detailed.

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Q2 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Climate Environment
Context

There is an evidence gap concerning the potential of coastal wetlands for biodiversity and carbon storage, which hinders investment. The question seeks clarity on who will conduct necessary research to exploit this potential.

Question

Coastal wetlands have huge potential both in terms of biodiversity and as carbon sinks, but there is an evidence gap that means we cannot exploit their potential by attracting full private and public sector investment. Can the Minister clarify whose job it is to conduct that work so that we can fully maximise the potential of wetlands?

Answer from Trudy Harrison

I reassure the hon. Lady that I whole- heartedly agree with her on the value of wetlands. In direct response to her question, the responsibility in DEFRA lies with me. I look forward to meeting her to explain exactly how we are creating more wetlands and how nature-based solutions will feature throughout our net zero and other strategies.

Partly answered

Not addressed: While confirming that the research on wetlands is within DEFRA's responsibility, a specific timeline or detailed plan was not provided.

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