"Hilary Benn and I had a very productive discussion. I noticed how interested he was when I showed him an animated video of satellite data that reveals the massive reduction of sea ice in the Arctic over the last 30 years. It is so important that decision-makers realise how much faster the Arctic is melting than we thought - more than 50 years ahead of what we expected," said ter Kuile.

Aviation and shipping

"We have such an opportunity with the current Climate Change Bill to make the changes we need to see to avoid dangerous climate change. Leading science tells us we need at least an 80% cut in greenhouse gases by 2050. It is common sense to make those cuts here in the UK. The idea that we wouldn't include international aviation and shipping is bewildering! It is vital that these are included," he explained.

"He was pleased and enthusiastic about efforts by Emma Biermann [the other UK Ambassador of Change] and myself to unite young people around the UK on the issue of climate change and I look forward to him pushing his parliamentary colleagues to fight climate change, to unite on what science tells us, and to act," ter Kuile added.

Green Finger Project

Benn also participated in the Green Finger Project which allows people to voice what they want to protect from climate change.

"The project personalises this global issue, it creates a link between climate change and something that you, as an individual, care about," said ter Kuile.

As part of the meeting, ter Kuile presented Benn with a framed photograph of the polar bear that he and Biermann saw while on the Voyage for the Future.