To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment his Department has made of its capacity to adapt to climate change; and what plans he has to publish a climate change adaptation strategy. (241184)

Climate change poses a serious long-term threat to development in poor countries. The Department for International Development (DFID) is committed to helping countries manage impacts and integrate climate risks and responses into development. Further information on DFID's climate change adaptation policies are available on the DFID website:

http://www.dfid.gov.uk/

In addition, the cross-Government Adapting to Climate Change programme increases Government's capacity to adapt by ensuring a co-ordinated approach across all Departments and the public sector. This includes implementation of the adaptation aspects of the Climate Change Act, such as development of the national climate risk assessment. Information about the programme can be found at

www.defra.gov/adaptation.