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12/05/2006
Government puts climate change policy centre stage
Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett has announced that she is to appoint a Special Representative on Climate Change.
"The Special Representative will work with key international partners and government colleagues and will help to take forward the Gleneagles Dialogue on Climate Change, Clean Energy and Sustainable Development, launched at last year's Gleneagles Summit," she said.
The move follows Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs David Milliband's comments earlier that: "if the challenge of climate change is to be met then no part of British society will be unchanged."
Mr Miliband continued: "Just as social justice needed a new social contract in the 19th and 20th centuries so environmental security in the 21st century needs a new environmental contract.
"An environmental contract would have new and clear rights and responsibilities for Government, for business and for individuals, to balance what we take from nature and what we give back."
Mrs Beckett said: "I very much welcome David Miliband's comments this morning about the environment being the responsibility of all Government departments. Climate change remains the biggest challenge this planet faces and the FCO has a key role to play in addressing it. In addition to appointing a Special Representative, I am also taking steps to strengthen the FCO's institutional capacity in this area."
(GB)
"The Special Representative will work with key international partners and government colleagues and will help to take forward the Gleneagles Dialogue on Climate Change, Clean Energy and Sustainable Development, launched at last year's Gleneagles Summit," she said.
The move follows Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs David Milliband's comments earlier that: "if the challenge of climate change is to be met then no part of British society will be unchanged."
Mr Miliband continued: "Just as social justice needed a new social contract in the 19th and 20th centuries so environmental security in the 21st century needs a new environmental contract.
"An environmental contract would have new and clear rights and responsibilities for Government, for business and for individuals, to balance what we take from nature and what we give back."
Mrs Beckett said: "I very much welcome David Miliband's comments this morning about the environment being the responsibility of all Government departments. Climate change remains the biggest challenge this planet faces and the FCO has a key role to play in addressing it. In addition to appointing a Special Representative, I am also taking steps to strengthen the FCO's institutional capacity in this area."
(GB)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
