Commentary on Sections National reports and programmes Section 58: Programme for adaptation to climate change
253.This section requires the Secretary of State to prepare UK Government adaptation programmes.
254.Subsection (1) places a duty on the Secretary of State to lay before Parliament adaptation programmes covering the Government’s objectives in relation to adaptation to climate change, and its proposals and policies for meeting these objectives (indicating an appropriate timescale). The programme should address the risks identified in the most recent report under section 56.
255.Subsection (2) provides that the objectives, proposals and policies should contribute to sustainable development.
256.Subsection (3) requires the Secretary of State to lay the adaptation programme before Parliament as soon as is reasonably practicable after laying his report on the risks of climate change under section 56. Subsection (4) requires him to send a copy of each programme to the other national authorities.