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Written question asked by Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick (Non-affiliated) on Tuesday, 2 June 2020, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 16 June 2020. It was answered by Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park (Conservative) on Monday, 15 June 2020 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Development Aid: Coronavirus

Question

Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to prioritise climate justice in the allocation of Official Development Assistance to developing countries recovering from the effects of COVID-19.

Answer

The impacts of climate change will disproportionately affect the lives of the poorest and most marginalised. The UK’s aid programme, including our international climate finance, prioritises the interests of the world’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged. Our international response to COVID-19 is focused on securing a strong global health response, in particular supporting countries most vulnerable to the impact of the virus, accelerating the search for a vaccine and new treatments and supporting the global economy. We recognise that there is a connection between healthy lives, healthy societies and a healthy environment.

The steps taken to rebuild economies will have a profound impact on future sustainability, resilience and wellbeing. The Prime Minister recently addressed a high-level event at the invitation of the United Nations Secretary General focussed on ‘recovering better for sustainability,’ and as we prepare for COP26, we are urging the world to take the opportunity to make the recovery clean, inclusive and resilient.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL5087
Session
2019-21
Subjects
Climate change Development aid Coronavirus
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk