Global Britain: UK Research & Development leadership in combating climate change
The Coalition were delighted to partner with The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to explore the multiple ways in which UK foreign aid is supporting sustainable agricultural business models to feed millions in developing countries whilst preserving the natural world for generations to come.
Ahead of the UK hosting COP26 next year, this event brought together parliamentarians and those implementing this work to explore how Britain can continue to lead in R&D, support sustainable agriculture and train the next generation of innovators in the developing world to effectively combat the impact of climate change.
The UK has a role to make sure R&D delivers real results. Creating end to end approaches to R&D is essential. The UK must focus on deployment, scaling, engagement of stakeholders and implementation in the field.
“A radical shift is needed to meet the climate challenge ahead of us. Knowledge and technology are going to be crucial in the fight against climate change.”
Climate change is one of the greatest threats that the human race faces. Some of the world's poorest farmers are most at risk of the effects of climate change.
British science is already leading some of the efforts into helping this. There has been a revolution in biology that has the potential to transform food production systems. The UK will always be a leader in this sector.
“Innovations are great but some can be simple and the key thing for meeting climate change is a diversity of people involved, diversity of foods and diversity of research.”
Criteria will be set to ensure that outcomes of R&D meet the requirements of some of the most vulnerable women.
The UK Government are leading efforts to transform R&D agricultural systems through COP leadership. Gender is central to this work as women and girls are so often not able to participate in this system.
“Protection of nature and biodiversity are essential throughout the implementation of these sustainable solutions. The UK will be established as an R&D superpower.”
