To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps his Department (a) has taken and (b) intends to take by (i) 2012 and (ii) 2020 in relation to adaptation to the effects of climate change as they affect his departmental responsibilities; and if he will make a statement. (166424)

[holding answer 6 December 2007]: My Department is carrying out a project to identify potential climate change impacts on our sectors. We started this work last June, in advance of the Climate Change Bill. We recognised that over the longer-term climate change may impose significant costs and challenges for the preservation of the country's historic environment, the design of new buildings and much of the sport and leisure infrastructure, such as public parks and playing fields. We are working closely with our sponsored bodies to explore mitigation and adaptation practices. Our findings will inform the targets for our next Sustainable Development Action Plan and our future climate change policy.

In connection with the 2012 Olympic Games and their legacy, the London 2012 Sustainability Plan—Towards a One Planet 2012—launched on 26 November, includes commitments that new permanent venues in the Olympic Park will respond to climate change challenges. These commitments also apply to the new parkland and will influence the development of the whole site.