Thank you for bringing to my attention the Great Big Green Week which is taking place this year from 18-26 September. I am pleased that this is taking place before COP26 to encourage further awareness of the key issues surrounding climate change. I will continue to closely monitor the Government's work in the run up to COP26.
I note your concerns about global temperatures. As you may know, the landmark Paris Agreement of 2015 aims to halt global warming at well below 2°C, while pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5°C. I was delighted that when we hosted the G7 in June 2021, world leaders committed to accelerating efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions and keep the 1.5°C global warming threshold within reach. This is the key aim of COP26. In addition, the G7 committed to protect the planet by supporting a green revolution that creates jobs and cuts emissions. I hope that further global action is achieved at COP26. While the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's report found that the planet was warming faster than anticipated, it also highlighted that cutting global emissions, starting immediately, to net zero by mid-century would give a good chance of limiting global warming to 1.5°C in the long-term and help to avoid the worst effects of climate change.
I agree with you that farmers at risk around the world need to be borne in mind when International plans are put in place. Liz Truss our Secretary of State for International Trade is very robust about expanding Free Trade, doing away with Tariffs, specifically for farmers like those growing bananas, cocoa or tea and coffee. I am the Trade Envoy to Vietnam and all Tariffs for their coffee has been reduced to less than 10% now reducing to zero in six years as part of our recently negotiated Trade Agreement with them,
As we get closer to the summit, the Prime Minister has been clear that other countries should follow the UK's lead in tackling climate change, putting forward big commitments and plans including a commitment to net zero by mid-century. In particular, G20 countries should make new Nationally Determined Contributions - setting out interim targets and immediate action to reduce emissions. I welcome that the UK is seeking to gather support and agreement at the conference to eliminate coal dependency; to follow the UK in abandoning UK fossil fuel internal combustion vehicles; for the richest countries who have historically produced so much of the world's carbon to support other countries to go green with funds of $100 billion a year; and finally to plant more trees to restore the world's natural habitat.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
