A global commitment to action over climate change could enhance the confidence of business to invest in the economy.

That is the view of Ralph Peake MHK, Member of the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA), who says it’s important the Island stays well briefed over international efforts towards tackling the global threat posed by climate change.

This week, Mr Peake attended an annual conference on the subject, hosted by the Royal Institute for International Affairs.

Delegates discussed the United Nations climate conference taking place in Paris this December, at which nations will be asked to commit to a universal, binding agreement to combat climate change and boost the transition towards resilient, low-carbon societies.

The commitment should reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ensure global warming doesn’t exceed 2 degrees Celsius warmer than it was in pre-industrial times.

The commitment is viewed as the last opportunity to prevent dangerous levels of climate change.

The Isle of Man Government’s Agenda for Change recognises climate change as one of the biggest challenges the Island faces.

It states: ‘The threat to our built and natural environment from the changing climate is increasing. The earlier we plan for adaptation, the less it will cost and the better equipped we will be to maintain a national infrastructure that supports our economic and social success.’

Tynwald this year approved the Council of Ministers’ Policy on Sustainable Development and Mitigating Climate Challenges and its separate Adaptation Policy for Climate Challenges.

Through these, Government will carry out proactive measures to adapt to the current and future climate.

Mr Peake, DEFA’s Member for Environment, Safety and Health, said that among many topics, this week’s conference discussed

• the likelihood of the Paris ‘pledge’ leading to the necessary emission reductions
• how tackling climate change can be funded
• how it may boost long-term investment
• how progress will be monitored
• the implications of overshooting the 2oC target
• the limits of human adaption should temperatures rise by 3oC or 4oC.

Mr Peake said: ‘The Island has climate change high on its agenda. We have already begun work on a national strategy on sea defences, flooding and coastal erosion to ensure we adapt in the most cost effective way to the threats of our current and future climate. Work on a strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the Island is also under way.

‘Climate change may seem remote from our everyday lives but, unchecked, it would have untold economic and environmental repercussions on us as an Island.

‘Conversely, the conference discussed the fact that a long-term commitment to tackling climate change may give businesses the confidence to invest in infrastructure and other assets, with the resulting economic boost.

‘It is important that, as a nation, we keep up to date on international developments and update our approach accordingly.’

To find out more about the Island’s work on climate change, visit DEFA’s pages on www.gov.im and click on ‘climate change’.

To learn more about the conference, visit www.chathamhouse.org/conferences/climate-change-2015