Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, if she will make it her policy to respond to the messages contained in Pope Francis's Encyclical Laudato Si, On Care for Our Common Home.

The recent “Speak Up for the Love of” climate lobby in Westminster – along with interventions from the Pope and other faith leaders on climate change shows that all sectors of society recognise that climate change is a serious threat.

The Papal Encyclical raises a number of important issues, including – the reduction of global poverty, the protection of the planet, and a process of sustainable development which will lead to a healthier life for all.

The UK is already acting to address these challenges. Our commitment to the 0.7% target for our international aid budget is a concrete sign of the UK’s solid support for sustainable development for all.

The UK Government also recognises the importance of tackling climate change. We were the first country to put in place a legally binding long-term target, and we have established five year carbon budgets for reducing emissions into the late 2020s.

Internationally we are leading the charge. The EU is on track to meet its commitments for 2020 and has agreed an ambitious emissions reduction target of at least 40% by 2030. We are also committed to securing a global deal on climate change at COP 21 in Paris.