Tackling global warming helps economy, says Sunak
FIGHTING climate change is not just a “moral good” but central to British economic success and resilience, Rishi Sunak has said on the eve of the Cop27 summit.
The Prime Minister will address the meeting in Egypt tomorrow and is set to chair a meeting of world leaders on forests and nature.
The UK is also expected to confirm new funding packages to help conserve threatened tropical rainforests and support countries on the front line of climate change.
Mr Sunak insisted it was “more important than ever” to deliver on the pledges made at last year’s Cop26 conference in Glasgow.
“Fighting climate change is not just a moral good – it is fundamental to our future prosperity and security,” he said.
“Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and contemptible manipulation of energy prices has only reinforced the importance of ending our dependence on fossil fuels.
“We need to move further and faster to transition to renewable energy, and I will ensure the UK is at the forefront of this global movement as a clean energy superpower.” Mr Sunak was not initially expected to attend Cop27, saying he would miss it to focus on “depressing domestic challenges” including the Autumn Statement, but confirmed his participation on Wednesday.
Spending announcements are expected, following the £150million pledged by the UK last year to protect tropical rainforests, as well as a combined £324million to help Asian and Pacific countries and island states invest in climate action.
It comes as António Guterres, the
‘Fighting climate change is not just a moral good – it is fundamental to our future prosperity and security’
United Nations secretary-general, warned “we will be doomed” unless rich countries signed a “historic pact” with their poor counterparts to bridge the gulf on environmental progress.
John Kerry, the US climate envoy, also urged wealthier nations to “step up” their efforts to help others transition away from fossil fuels, but admitted the ongoing war in Ukraine presented new “hurdles”.