Foreign Office Minister opens Climate Change event on the Pacific region
Foreign Office Minister Hugo Swire today welcomed Heads of Mission from the Pacific Islands and experts to a conference on climate change and climate security.
Neil Morisetti leading the discussions
Opening the meeting in London, Foreign Office Minister Hugo Swire stressed the need for immediate action by all countries to limit global average temperature rises. Climate change impacts are being felt all over the world, with the Pacific Islands among those already dealing with significant changes, such as land loss and more frequent King (high) tides.
Hugo Swire said:
This is a time for action on climate change. As UK Minister responsible for the Pacific Islands, I am particularly alive to the impact it is already having in this vulnerable region. These are islands where the results of climate change on the local economy, environmental diversity and people’s day to day lives could be catastrophic. When I visit the region next month this will be an issue that will be high on my agenda.
I hope that today’s event raises awareness and I welcome the appointment of Neil Morisetti as the Foreign Secretary’s Special Representative on Climate Change.
The Foreign Secretary’s Special Representative for Climate Change, Neil Morisetti, chaired roundtable discussions on climate security and science; climate financing and technologies and future cooperation between the region and UK.
The event was also attended by academics, NGOs, Commonwealth Secretariat, members of the renewable industry and UK government officials from a number of departments. It was an opportunity to share thinking and deepen understanding of the impact of climate change in the Pacific region and the importance of tackling climate change at a global level.
Further Information
Read more about how the Foreign Office is taking international action to mitigate climate change
More information about Neil Morisetti