At the beginning of next month the world climate change
submit will be held in Paris. Called COP21 (Conference of Parties) it will be
the latest gathering of world leaders, business, NGOs and civil society to
address the issues of our changing climate.
Whatever people’s views on the causes, it is quite clear
that our climate is changing. We can see the effects here in Cornwall with
heavier rainfall, more frequent flooding and unpredictable weather patterns.
During the recent short Parliamentary Recess I took the
opportunity to visit Kenya. The visit was organised and sponsored by Christian
Aid in order for MPs to be able to see for themselves some of the impact of
climate change and how the UK Government is involved in helping communities
adapt to the change.
I have visited Kenya a number of times before in my
previous charity work. But this time it was good to go with a different focus.
We were in the country for 3 days and packed a great deal into the time –
meeting members of the Kenyan Government, UK representatives, campaigners and
charity workers.
The highlight for me was a visit to a very rural area
where we met with the local farming community. This is where the impact of
climate change is felt most sharply. Rainfall is now much less frequent but
much heavier when it does rain. This creates significant challenges of soil
erosion and flash flooding.
We visited one farm where a partnership of the UK and
local Kenyan Government had helped fund the construction of water capture pits
for the farmer. This enabled him to store water when it does rain, which can
then last for several months in a time of drought. This has enabled the farmer
to expand his farm and provide employment for local people.
I am aware that some people question the UK International
Development budget. But visiting the sites where some of the money is being
spent in Kenya has certainly helped me understand far more why it is necessary.
The impact of climate change is being felt in the poorer countries of the world
where people are less resilient and able to adapt. Whatever we may feel about
our moral responsibility to help these countries, especially in our former
Colonial and Commonwealth nations, I believe we also need to see that it is in
our own interest.
It is clear that one of the biggest challenges facing the
world will be the migration crisis. People are not only fleeing war and
conflict, but also poverty. If people find as a result of our changing climate
that life is not sustainable, especially in rural areas that are totally
dependent on farming, then the likelihood of people migrating to Western Europe
will only increase putting more and more pressure on our own country. Granting
aid that can help communities to adapt and enable people to live a sustainable
life in rural areas is not just the right thing to do it is the sensible thing
to do.
Climate change is a global challenge and it will take
agreement and working in partnership from all the major nations to face it. Let
us hope that progress can be made in Paris next month. I know the UK Government
will be playing a leading role in working to achieve this.
