G7 ministers agree action on climate risks

G7 ministers have agreed that climate change is "among the most serious" threats facing the world and needs to be integrated into foreign policy.

Foreign ministers from the group met last week and pledged a strong joint commitment to addressing climate risks, following the recommendations of a new report presented at the meeting.

The G7 group, which includes the UK, the U.S., Canada, France, Italy, Japan, and Germany, also reiterated their support for a historic global climate deal due to be signed at UN conference in Paris in December.

In a statement, the ministers said: "We agree on the need to better understand, identify, monitor and address the compound risks associated with climate change and fragility. Integrating climate-fragility considerations across foreign policy portfolios will allow G7 countries to better assess climate-related security challenges and to assist other countries in preparing for and responding to these risks."

The new report was commissioned by the group and states that world leaders should make climate change a key priority of foreign policy.

The report highlights how helping build resilience to climate change impacts, especially in developing nations and conflict-affected regions and communities, should be a primary focus.

A dedicated G7 working group will be set up to address the reports findings and recommendations.

Dan Smith, secretary general of International Alert and one of the lead authors of the report, said: "Climate impacts know no bounds. They cross all boundaries, whether of nation, sector, or agency. Responding to the global strategic threat posed by climate change is too great a task for any single government and requires collaboration."