The British Government has four policy goals which set objectives for our work around the world. On the climate change front, our objective is to promote a low carbon, high growth, global economy. This means:

• creating the conditions for a rapid shift in investment towards low carbon and for an ambitious post-2012 climate agreement;
• enhancing UK energy security through more diverse supplies and more efficient global consumption
• increasing international commitment to an open economy and achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)

Climate change is not just an environmental challenge, but a threat to the global economy and to global security. The latest scientific research shows the projected rise in the global average temperature will have catastrophic effects, increasing the frequency of extreme weather.

Tackling climate change requires a sustained global effort to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases through cleaner energy, transport and changes in technology.  And in order to avoid its worst effects, we have to change behaviour now. In the UK, we have undertaken to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 80% by 2050 and are well on target to meet our commitments under the Kyoto Protocol by 2012.

Here in Hong Kong, the British Consulate-General is acting to promote messages about climate change. We aim to promote debate on the issue amongst opinion formers, business figures and the general public, building on the expertise developed in the UK across sectors ranging from renewable energy, energy efficiency and carbon finance.

For more information or signing up to our mailing list on climate change issues, email: climatechange@bcg.org.hk