Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 23 of his Department’s Climate Change and Sustainability Strategic Approach published on 30 March 2021, what discussions he has had with his counterpart in NATO on further cooperation on (a) adapting to and (b) mitigating against the effects of climate change in each of the last 12 months.

It is clear that the UK and NATO share the same ambition to reduce military emissions, adapt military capability, and recognise that climate change is a threat multiplier. These were the focus of both the Defence Secretary and the NATO Secretary General’s comments at a COP26 Round Table side-event.

To deliver against this shared intent will require further discussions across all our allies and partners at all levels to ensure a coherent approach. As part of the forward looking NATO 2030 initiative, agreed by Alliance Leaders in June, the UK and its NATO Allies have agreed to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from military activities and installations without impairing personnel safety, operational effectiveness and our deterrence and defence posture.