The British government is commissioning a report on the impact of climate change in Africa, UK Environment minister Margaret Beckett has announced. Addressing a sustainable development conference on Wednesday, she said: "A two degree change in climate here, would mean a four degree change in central Africa. The economic and humanitarian consequences in a continent already suffering the burden of Aids and malaria are potentially catastrophic. We need to understand the impact on Africa and on the world's ability to deliver the Millennium Development Goals and commitments made at other major UN summits."