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Climate Change and Human Security
03 November 2022
Lead MP
Wera Hobhouse
Bath
Lib Dem
Responding Minister
Graham Stuart
Tags
ClimateEnergy
Word Count: 11876
Other Contributors: 5
At a Glance
Wera Hobhouse raised concerns about climate change and human security in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Ms Hobhouse calls on the Government to announce an action plan backed by a £150 billion public investment programme to achieve net zero targets. She also asks for the re-establishment of a dedicated Department for Energy and Climate Change, along with a Cabinet chief secretary for sustainability to coordinate all government activity in response to climate change.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Ms Hobhouse is concerned about the urgent need to integrate climate change into national security strategies. She highlights that missing net zero targets would lead to catastrophic outcomes such as rising sea levels, resource loss, increased conflict, poverty, malnutrition, and gender inequality, potentially displacing 1.2 billion people by 2050. She points out that since 1970, global surface temperatures have risen at an unprecedented rate, leading to a significant increase in floods and wildfires. The recent heatwave in the UK was made at least ten times more likely due to climate change, according to scientific studies. Additionally, she mentions the threat of increased national security risks from hostile actors due to energy insecurity.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Jim Shannon highlighted the confusion over the Prime Minister's attendance at COP27 and expressed appreciation for the government's commitment to climate change promises. He emphasized that Northern Ireland has faced multiple extreme weather events, such as a 16 cm rise in sea levels since the start of the 20th century and regular flooding. He mentioned the impact on planning policies, food security due to imports, and the need for international cooperation. Shannon also raised concerns about climate change exacerbating tensions and violence in Nigeria, affecting minority groups.
Kerry McCarthy
Lab
Bristol East
Discussed the need for a quicker shift towards renewables to ensure energy security, highlighted the impact of climate change on financial systems and insurance companies, emphasised opportunities in clean power despite challenges, and stressed the importance of adaptation measures and financing for vulnerable countries at COP27. She inquired about the current position regarding a ban on onshore wind, given statements made during the leadership campaign by the new Prime Minister. She also asked who would chair the Climate Action Implementation Committee following the Prime Minister's removal from this role.
Patrick Grady
SNP
Glasgow North
Mr Patrick Grady discussed the impact of climate change on global security and development goals, emphasizing that climate change is undermining progress in poverty eradication, gender equality, education, and health. He highlighted the need for continued efforts to make real commitments towards mitigation and adaptation measures at COP27. Grady also addressed the increasing instability caused by resource scarcity and food insecurity due to climate change, particularly mentioning conflicts such as those in Tigray, Ethiopia.
Richard Foord
Lib Dem
Honiton and Sidmouth
The hon. Member queried the UK Government's insufficient investment in renewable energy, suggesting it has hindered a human security approach to climate change. He also highlighted that Russia profited from £4.5 billion of energy exports to the UK last year, which emboldened its state-centric view of security and contributed to climate change.
Stewart McDonald
SNP
Argyll and Bute
I am concerned about the impact of climate change on human security in rural areas, highlighting the need for more robust policies to address flooding and extreme weather events. The MP expressed concern over the lack of serious attention given to climate security in Parliament, highlighting the Prime Minister's reluctance to attend COP27 and criticizing the absence of a dedicated ministerial response. He emphasized the importance of integrating climate change into broader national security strategies, citing Sweden as an example with its 'total defence concept.' McDonald stressed the need for comprehensive treaties between NATO and the EU, recognizing the role of the global south in addressing climate issues. He questioned the Minister's credibility, noting that the COP presidency has been demoted from the Cabinet and that he himself was removed from the Cabinet. He argued that these facts are not disinformation but truth.
Government Response
Graham Stuart
Government Response
Acknowledged contributions from various MPs and praised the UK's progress in reducing emissions faster than other major economies. Discussed the need for all energy sources, including nuclear power, to achieve clean baseload. Mentioned global challenges such as extreme weather events impacting human security. Highlighted the importance of COP27 and COP15 for scaling up adaptation efforts. Announced plans to double international climate finance to £11.6 billion between 2021-2026. Emphasised the role of every Department in achieving net zero through interdepartmental committees.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.