Secretary of State Edward Davey's statement in response to the IPCC Working Group 2 report on climate change, published on 31 March 2014.

In response to the IPCC 5th Assessment Report, (Working Group 2), Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Edward Davey said:

“This report represents the most comprehensive look at the impacts of climate change ever written – involving a huge amount of work by over 310 scientific experts drawn from universities and research institutes in 73 different countries around the world.

“The science has clearly spoken. Left unchecked, climate change will impact on many aspects of our society, with far reaching consequences to human health, global food security and economic development.

“The recent flooding in the UK is a testament to the devastation that climate change could bring to our daily lives.

“The UK is leading from the front and working with our European partners. We’ve adopted some of the most ambitious climate change targets in the world. We are investing in low carbon and energy efficiency technologies, with an increased focus on home-grown renewables, to reduce our reliance of foreign imports and create a sustainable supply of affordable energy for consumers and businesses alike. We are also pushing for an ambitious EU energy and climate change package that will lead to a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and will take us on the next step to tackling climate change.

“This evidence strengthens the case for early action in the UK and around the world to lessen the significant risks posed by climate change. We cannot afford to wait.”

Further information:

Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability – Summary for Policymakers

http://ipcc-wg2.gov/AR5/images/uploads/IPCC_WG2AR5_SPM_Approved.pdf