Climate Change Bill [HL]

I share my noble friend’s concern that a requirement for an adaptation plan for the whole world might put too great an onus on the Secretary of State. However, the Government probably should acknowledge the role that they are playing in those countries that are being helped by our environmental sciences. This is not an overall plan to solve adaptation issues around the world. As I reminded the Committee earlier, I am chairman of the trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, which is funded by the Government—by DfID and Defra in particular. There are discrete programmes which clearly address certain adaptation issues. I would have thought it helpful—although this amendment is not perhaps totally appropriate—for this country to report on the contribution that it has made and is proposing to make in these areas. It is a record of which we should be proud and the Secretary of State would no doubt wish to acknowledge the contribution that we are making to other countries. However, I suspect that the terms of this amendment are drawn rather too widely.