In light of recent developments, more than 50 environmental organizations have united to urge UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to maintain strong climate leadership at the upcoming COP29 conference.
The call comes in response to Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election, which raises concerns about the future of international climate action.
While President Joe Biden’s administration will still attend COP29, Trump’s rhetoric and policies could influence global negotiations.
Having previously dismissed climate change as a “hoax” and promised to exit the 2015 Paris Agreement, Trump’s re-election threatens to undermine critical progress on reducing emissions.
Environmental groups, including Greenpeace UK and Oxfam GB, warn that Trump’s pro-fossil fuel stance could embolden industry lobbyists and derail efforts to address the escalating climate crisis.
The pressure is mounting as climate-related disasters intensify worldwide. From devastating hurricanes and floods to extreme weather events, the consequences of inaction are increasingly visible.
Trump’s victory raises fears of stalled climate progress, urging the UK to act decisively.The UK, grappling with its extreme weather impacts, including a disastrous harvest, is urged to step up as a climate leader.
The conference will focus on financing solutions for climate-vulnerable nations, emphasizing the need for grants-based finance and debt relief.
The letter to Starmer highlights the UK’s opportunity to restore its leadership on the global stage by fulfilling promises to end new oil and gas projects and advancing ambitious climate policies.
With G7 leaders like Olaf Scholz and Emmanuel Macron opting out of COP29, the UK’s actions are more important than ever to maintain momentum in the global fight against climate change.
As the world faces mounting environmental challenges, the call for bold, decisive action is louder than ever.