Energy Secretary brings together COP leaders to provide UK support and leadership in tackling the climate crisis

In a historic meeting on Friday, July 26, the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero held discussions with key figures in the global climate arena. Present at the meeting were the Rt Hon Sir Alok Sharma, President for COP 26, HE Mukhtar Babayev, COP29 President Designate, and HE Ana Toni, National Secretary for Climate Change from Brazil as COP 30 Presidency. This meeting was a crucial part of a larger visit that also included a roundtable discussion with His Majesty King Charles III, focusing on the urgent need to address the climate crisis.

During the meeting, the Secretary of State praised the outcomes of the recent UAE consensus, which led to a historic agreement to transition away from fossil fuels. He also voiced full support for Azerbaijan and Brazil as they prepare to take on the roles of COP 29 and COP 30 Presidencies, respectively. The UK reaffirmed its commitment to leading the way in global climate action and serving as a reliable partner in the fight against climate change.

The Secretary of State highlighted the importance of all countries, especially major emitters, taking concrete actions to implement the outcomes of the Global Stocktake and submitting Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) that are aligned with the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. The UK offered to share its experiences from COP 26 to support other countries in enhancing their ambition in their NDCs. Additionally, the UK expressed its dedication to collaborating with all Parties to establish an ambitious New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate finance and accelerate reforms in the global financial system.

Furthermore, the Secretary of State emphasized the UK’s commitment to leading by example and promoting ambitious action on climate change at home and abroad. Climate and clean energy initiatives are central to the new government’s agenda, with plans to stimulate investment in onshore wind, catalyze a solar revolution, and outline strategies for Great British Energy.

The UK also expressed deep concern over the escalating impacts of climate change worldwide, particularly in developing countries. The Secretary of State reiterated the UK’s unwavering commitment to collaborating with the Troika and all Parties to ramp up ambition in the critical decade ahead. The ultimate goal is to achieve the targets set out in the Paris Agreement, maintain the feasibility of limiting global warming to 1.5°C, and provide support to the most vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by climate change.

In conclusion, the meeting marked a significant step towards advancing global efforts to combat climate change and underscored the UK’s dedication to leading the charge in climate action. By fostering collaboration, sharing experiences, and promoting ambitious initiatives both domestically and internationally, the UK aims to drive momentum and set a positive example for others to follow in the fight against climate change.