Commonwealth environment ministers will meet in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, on February 5 to discuss concerns in adapting to climate change.

The meeting, which will take place under the umbrella of the Commonwealth Consultative Group on the Environment, will be chaired by Kenya's Minister for Environment and Natural Resources Prof Kivutha Kibwana.

According to a Commonwealth press release, the meeting will convene on the eve of the UNEP Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environmental Forum.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Dr Indrajit Coomaraswamy, Director

of the Economic Affairs Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat, said: "We need effective measures to help people to adapt to climate change which is having a greater impact on the lives and livelihood of our people."

The meeting will focus on practical ways to help countries adapt to climate change and explore related political issues that need addressing.

Discussions will focus on the role of Commonwealth parliamentarians, skill-building, curriculum development and information exchange among small states, and the engagement of young people in raising awareness and gathering data.