Asked by: Lord Brooke of Alverthorpe (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for International Development:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of population growth on climate change; and what discussions they have had (1) with other governments, and (2) within intergovernmental agencies in which they are a member, about any such impact.
Answered by Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park
There is a connection between population growth, sustainable development and climate change, though unsustainable consumption remains the primary driver of climate change and environmental degradation.
The Government has placed a high priority on tackling climate change and protecting the environment and, as part of this, we have committed to double our international climate finance over the next five years. This will help developing countries reduce global carbon emissions, cope with the climate change impacts that are already locked in, and invest more in nature.
We regularly discuss all aspects of climate change and environmental degradation with other governments and intergovernmental agencies and will continue to play a leading role in international work to combat these issues. Next year we will be hosting the international climate change discussions (COP26) in Glasgow, at which we want to secure commitments to take more ambitious and urgent action.
Asked by: Lord Brooke of Alverthorpe (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for International Development:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on population growth.
Answered by Baroness Sugg
Differences in population age structure mean that the impact of COVID-19 on population growth will vary from region to region. In many low-income countries, the indirect impacts of COVID-19, such as interruptions to education and reduced access to essential sexual and reproductive health services, will impact on people’s ability to access essential services and therefore population growth rates.
The UK is working to identify and mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable populations in low income countries.
Asked by: Lord Brooke of Alverthorpe (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for International Development:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with faith leaders about the impact of population growth on climate change.
Answered by Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park
Faith groups are key policy and delivery partners for DFID. We hold regular discussions with faith groups on all aspects of international development including on climate change.
Asked by: Lord Brooke of Alverthorpe (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for International Development:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to restrain and reverse the projected growth in the world’s population.
Answered by Baroness Sugg
The UK is committed to increasing access to voluntary family planning, empowering women and girls to make their own decisions about if, when and how many children they have, without coercion or discrimination, and with full, free and informed choice.
The UK is the world’s second largest global bilateral donor on family planning and has committed to spend an average of £225 million per year on family planning up to 2021/22. We built on this commitment at UNGA 2019, where the Secretary of State announced a £600 million programme for reproductive health supplies up to 2025. Our investment in girls’ education, empowerment and economic opportunities, will ensure that rapidly growing young populations can access education, jobs and services.