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Thanked the hon. Friend for securing the debate and expressed hope to attend COP29 in Azerbaijan, highlighting the significance of the loss and damage fund agreement reached at COP28 for vulnerable countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh.
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COP29 is a test of the world's willingness to address climate change with urgency. Despite consensus at COP28, governments plan to produce 110% more fossil fuels than needed for a 50% chance of limiting warming to 1.5°C by 2030. The UK must demonstrate leadership and act on its promise to end new fossil fuel licences.
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Ms Ellie Chowns called for urgent action regarding energy efficiency measures, urging the Government to introduce measures in the planning and infrastructure Bill that ensure all homes are warm and affordable. She also questioned whether the Prime Minister would attend COP29 and show leadership on climate change. I have not heard any mention of the topic in two speeches by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. I urge the Government to take the issue on board.
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Asked if the UK should ensure major polluters like Russia and China reduce their emissions for global efforts to be effective.
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Jim Shannon emphasised the importance of an inclusive process for COP29, particularly in relation to Northern Ireland's engagement. He highlighted Climate Northern Ireland's role in fostering collaboration and shared expertise among various sectors to address climate change impacts. Shannon underscored the need for balance between environmental goals and practical considerations such as funding for farmers and agriculture.
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The world has recognised the crucial role of nuclear energy in tackling climate change. Nuclear is the only large-scale, low-carbon source that can operate continuously, complementing intermittent renewable sources and decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors. The Sizewell C project demonstrates nuclear's potential for clean energy production and economic growth. However, financing, regulation, and technological advancement are key barriers to its deployment.
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Mr Lee Pitcher highlighted the significant impact of climate change on water resources, noting that for 60% of resilient cities globally, the primary threat is related to excessive or insufficient water supply. He expressed concern about the psychological effects of flooding on children and emphasised the need to leverage community engagement and innovative projects such as carbon capture initiatives in his constituency.
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Asked the Member for Whitehaven and Workington about opportunities for constituencies with existing nuclear power stations, like hers, to host new nuclear projects.
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Emphasized the progress made by the previous Conservative Government on climate change, highlighting the UK's 50% emissions reduction between 1990 and 2022 while growing the economy. He expressed concern about the Labour Government's lack of clarity on their net zero plans and raised questions about the cost and practicality of ambitious targets, stressing the need for a pragmatic approach to maintain public support.
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Called for the nomination of a special climate envoy by the Prime Minister to enhance diplomatic efforts and restore the UK's global leadership in climate negotiations.
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Ms Kumaran highlighted the need for the Government to prioritise phasing out fossil fuels at COP29, noting a lack of progress since COP28. She praised the new Labour government's steps towards clean energy but urged them to go further by ending new oil and gas licensing, engaging in a just energy transition, and including commitments to phase out fossil fuel production in updated nationally determined contributions.
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The speaker highlighted the importance of effective diplomacy and strengthening wording on fossil fuel phase-out. She emphasized the need for rapid emission reduction, increased renewable energy, and climate finance. The Liberal Democrats support the focus on renewables, urging action following commitments made at COP28. She also called for attention to deforestation issues and collaboration through Article 6 of the Paris agreement. Additionally, adaptation measures were discussed with a focus on financial assistance and addressing the adaptation finance gap. Loss and damage funding was stressed as crucial with more substantial contributions needed from wealthy nations.