Written question asked by Peter Ainsworth (Conservative) on Wednesday, 3 December 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 December 2008. It was answered by Angela Eagle (Labour) on Wednesday, 10 December 2008 on behalf of the Treasury.

Climate Change

Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment his Department has made of its capacity to adapt to climate change; and what plans he has to publish a climate change adaptation strategy.

Answer: The cross-Government Adapting to Climate Change Programme increases Government's capacity to adapt by ensuring a coordinated approach across all Departments and the public sector. This includes implementation of the adaptation aspects of the Climate Change Act, such as development of the national climate risk assessment. Information about the programme can be found at"www.defra.gov/adaptation."The Treasury is working with other Departments to enhance the Government's capacity to adapt by, for example, reviewing its appraisal guidance (the Green Book) to ensure that policy and investment decisions incorporate adaptation.

Secondary information