Climate change stalling poverty fight - Beckett

The effects of climate change are jeopardising the fight against poverty and potential success of the Millennium Development Goals, UK Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett has claimed.

"Future climate change threatens to undermine our efforts to tackle Africa's poverty and sustainable development. Climate variability and climate change put some $10-20bn of net overseas development assistance in developing countries at risk each year," said Beckett, speaking at the Clinton Global Initiative event in New York.

Evidence from a UK-funded study on Africa and climate change has shown that global warming effects have already hampered development efforts, and underline the need for quicker progress on renewable energy sources.

"Business leaders that are at the forefront of innovation into low carbon technology can shape and drive the direction of change - but only with the support of Government which has an important role in setting clear and long-term policies to guide investment and foster innovation,” added Mrs. Beckett.