I am delighted to host the fourth edition of the Be The Change panel discussion on climate change, taking place at the Cholmondeley Room, House of Lords, on 14 July.
While the UK Government’s commitment to achieving net zero by 2050 is commendable, it is important to emphasise that every global citizen has a role to play in mitigating the climate crisis. If we are to leave the environment in a better state for future generations, change must begin with each one of us.
This is why I am particularly pleased that this panel discussion is titled Be The Change. Whether it involves adopting low-carbon technologies, choosing sustainable products and services, or reducing carbon-intensive consumption, individual action is key. Encouragingly, there is now far more public information available about climate change than there was a decade ago, and we are seeing a growing willingness among citizens to support the efforts of governments, civil society, and local authorities to combat environmental degradation.
As I have always maintained, climate change disproportionately affects women and marginalised communities. Through our work with widows in various parts of the world via the Loomba Foundation, we witness the direct and indirect impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations.
Therefore I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my friend, CB Patel, Chairman of ABPL, for highlighting this urgent and burning issue through such a timely and meaningful initiative, in association with the RAF. The event on 14th July deserves every success.