Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State for International Development (DFID), took part yesterday in web chat thought Number 10. He talked about the importance of a deal in Copenhagen in December for poor and developing countries.

According to the Secretary, a global deal is essential to the fight against poverty, because poorer countries will be hit hardest by climate change. Alexander also highlighted that a deal in Copenhagen must include social justice and take into consideration the specific vulnerabilities of each countries.

“Additional funding is going to be key to both getting a deal and making it work.  Some funds will meet both poverty reduction and climate change objectives, but developing countries want to know that we are also sticking to our commitments on poverty reduction”, said the Secretary.

A deal in Copenhagen is still possible. The short time remaining is bringing focus to the negotiation. According to Alexander, there is still time to work for a successful deal. The British government is working for a just, effective, ambitious deal.

The Minister said: “As Development Secretary my focus is making sure that the voices of developing countries are heard in these negotiations, because many developing countries are already being hit first and hit hardest by dangerous climate change.”

Alexander talked about the work DFID does in Africa, supporting African governments to take part on international negotiations and civil society on raising awareness to climate change issues.

Secretary also highlighted that individuals, companies and governments Will have to change their ways on order to tackle climate change. Alexander said the British government as a whole is working to reduce its emissions and create public policies that encourage all of society to take part.

Alexander finished by reaffirming the Department commitment to the 10:10 campaign. The campaign asks for the reduction of carbon emissions in the UK in 10% by 2010. DFID has monitored the emissions by its buildings and has been offsetting the carbon from air travels. The Secretary launched this year a White Paper setting the department’s plans to become carbon neutral.

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