Arctic

(asked on 23rd June 2021) - View Source

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the Government plans to review the UK's policy on arctic issues prior to COP26.


Answered by
James Duddridge Portrait
James Duddridge
This question was answered on 1st July 2021

The UK revised its first Arctic Policy Framework, published in 2013, with the publication of "Beyond the Ice: UK policy towards the Arctic" in 2018. This recognised the accelerating rate of climate change in the Arctic and set out the UK's vision and priorities to underpin our commitment to an Arctic that is safe, secure and peaceful. The UK framework is based on three core principles of respect, cooperation and appropriate leadership. This reflects our respect for the sovereign rights of the eight Arctic States, the indigenous peoples and the environment of the region.

Whilst there are no immediate plans to revise the UK's Arctic Policy Framework before COP26, as the Arctic region is now warming at three times the global rate, the UK will maintain a significant contribution to Arctic science and research, focused on understanding the implications of climate change on the Arctic environment, and the livelihoods and economies of Arctic societies. We will highlight the consequences of rapid environmental change in both Polar Regions during COP26.

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