Committee publication · Correspondence · 21 April 2026
Correspondence to the Minister of State for International Development & Africa relating to the Sub-pledge for nature-based solutions, 17 March 2026
Summary
The International Development Committee writes to the Minister of State for International Development & Africa seeking confirmation that the Government will maintain a dedicated sub-pledge for nature-based solutions in its 2025-26 to 2030-31 international climate finance round (ICF4), committing at least one-third to nature-based solutions with half dedicated to forests. The Committee cites overwhelming evidence that nature-based solutions are cost-effective, national security assessments linking ecosystem collapse to UK security risks, and Bank of England analysis showing 52% of UK GDP depends on ecosystem services.
Key findings
- Committee supports Government upholding its precedent of a dedicated nature sub-pledge in international climate finance spending, citing strong NGO and evidence consensus.
- UK's National Security Assessment on Global Ecosystems (January 2026) concludes ecosystem collapse is highly likely to drive national security risks including migration pressures and food security compromise.
- Bank of England 2022 analysis found 52% of UK's Gross Domestic Product is dependent on ecosystem services, establishing nature as a finite asset underpinning the global economy.
- Major UK environmental NGOs have collectively called for Government to commit at least one-third of ICF4 to nature-based solutions with at least half dedicated to forests.
- Committee seeks clarification on whether Government has decided on the sub-pledge commitment, rationale for any departure from previous policy, and timeline for decision if not yet reached.
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
Baroness Chapman of Darlington, Sarah Champion MP, David Lammy MP, UK environmental NGOs, Bank of England, Prime Minister
Notable line
“The case for a nature sub-pledge has never been clearer — the UK's economic prosperity and long-term security are inextricably linked to the health of critical global ecosystems.”
Key Quotes
“The evidence the Committee has received overwhelmingly supports the notion that nature- based solutions are a vital and cost-effective component of ICF spending.”
“The case for a nature sub-pledge has never been clearer — the UK's economic prosperity and long-term security are inextricably linked to the health of critical global ecosystems.”
“… ecosystem collapse is highly likely to drive national security risk across several areas, such as migration, as well as compromise the UK's food security .”
“… over half (52%) of UK 's Gross Domestic Product is dependent on ecosystem services.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗