DEFRA Refocus on Climate Change

A new Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has been created, taking on some of the activities that have, up to now, resided in Defra and BERR.

Although the detailed implications of the new department are still being worked through, Defra will retain management of the UKCIP and the 21st century climate change scenarios contracts.

Defra will continue to lead on domestic climate change adaptation, but government policy on international adaptation will move to DECC.

The lead Minister for adapting to climate change is Phil Hunt (Lord Hunt of King’s Heath) who is now the Minister for Sustainable Development, Climate Change Adaptation and Air Quality.

Huw Irranca-Davies, Minister for the Natural and Marine Environment, Wildlife and Rural Affairs will be responsible for the Common’s stages of the Climate Change Bill.

Joan Ruddock (who was responsible for adaptation) has moved to DECC. Jane Kennedy joins Defra as the Minister for Food, Farming, Water and Waste.

Further information can be found here http://www.decc.gov.uk/