Britain is to back the regions most at risk from rising sea levels, following the Foreign Secretary’s £330 million pledge at the recent New York Climate Week summit.
Part of the funding is expected to be ring fenced just for fighting and mitigating the expected rise in sea levels in coming years as Chris Elmore MP, Minister for the Americas, Multilateral, and Human Rights explained to the UN.
In a speech he said: “Low-lying states are facing an urgent and unprecedented threat from rising sea levels. Whether a state lost some or even all of its land to sea-level rise, we will ensure we consider the circumstances in each case, including the wishes of the people of the affected state.”
Mr Elmore further outlined how the UK has worked with the UN to understand the threats posed and where the priority areas are.
He said: “Throughout these negotiations, the United Kingdom has worked constructively towards a balanced outcome that supports the priorities of small island developing states while protecting important principles on climate governance, finance and international law.
“We welcome the continued primacy of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.”
The Minister for the Americas also ensured the UK will adhere to the wishes of the people in communities in danger of rising sea levels. He said the declaration is an “important step” and the UK will now turn its commitment into action.
