Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Oliver Heald Excerpts
Wednesday 20th July 2022

(1 year, 8 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Alok Sharma Portrait Alok Sharma
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As the hon. Gentleman will know, we got an agreement at COP26 from more than 140 countries, representing more than 90% of the world’s forests, to halt and reverse deforestation by 2030. We now need to make sure this is delivered, and we are looking at mechanisms to keep this issue on the table so that countries are seen to be delivering on their commitments on an annual basis.

Oliver Heald Portrait Sir Oliver Heald (North East Hertfordshire) (Con)
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The COP26 President will have been as struck as I was at COP26 by the plight of low-lying island nations, and he will have been moved by how they are doing everything they can to protect themselves through nature-based solutions. Above all, they need the large, developed countries to tackle climate change. Will he redouble his efforts to persuade some of these large, developed countries to do better?

Alok Sharma Portrait Alok Sharma
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My right hon. and learned Friend is absolutely right. The small island developing states face a very acute climate emergency that is putting many millions of lives and livelihoods at risk. Yes, we need every country to come forward and deliver on its commitments, and particularly the biggest emitters: the G20.