…By Henry George for TDPel Media.
Rishi Sunak, the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, has received warnings that the country is being viewed internationally as a “laggard” on climate policy.
Climate experts have criticized the government’s “lackadaisical” approach and are increasing pressure on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to take stronger action, especially as extreme weather events linked to climate change continue to impact regions worldwide, including record-breaking temperatures in Europe.
Faded Leadership and Demands for Action:
Lord Nicholas Stern, renowned for his work on the economics of climate change, has expressed deep concern over the UK’s diminishing leadership role in tackling climate change.
Alongside 14 other figures involved in the UN Cop26 climate summit, Lord Stern has written a letter to Rishi Sunak, urging him to make a clear statement emphasizing the importance of addressing climate, nature, and environmental issues on an international scale.
The signatories highlight the narrowing focus of the UK’s interest in global affairs, emphasizing the need for the UK to reestablish its commitment to global climate action.
Growing Dissatisfaction and Criticism:
The letter, also signed by Laurence Tubiana, a key architect of the Paris Agreement, warns that without significant efforts to curb global warming, the UK may struggle to compete in the global green economy.
This follows a similar letter sent to the Prime Minister by over a hundred British businesses, including major corporations like Unilever and Tesco, demanding faster action to achieve net-zero emissions.
Disputing Government’s Claims:
Lord Stern acknowledges that the UK was once a frontrunner in climate leadership, particularly during the 2021 Cop26 summit.
However, he criticizes recent decisions, such as approving a coal mine in northwest England and slow progress on insulating homes, as contributing to the UK’s declining reputation.
He emphasizes the need for Rishi Sunak to make a clear and decisive statement on the importance of climate action and outline how the UK will move forward.
Growing International Perception of the UK:
Lord Stern’s concerns are echoed by Lord Deben, former chairman of the Climate Change Committee, who disputes the UK government’s claims of being a world leader in cutting emissions.
He highlights that the United States, the European Union, and even China are now moving faster and further in their climate efforts, while the UK is falling behind.
Lord Zac Goldsmith’s Resignation Raises Alarm:
These criticisms come in the wake of Lord Zac Goldsmith’s resignation as environment minister, in which he heavily criticized the Prime Minister’s lack of environmental commitment.
Conclusion:
Rishi Sunak and the UK government face mounting pressure as they are increasingly seen as lagging behind in international climate policy.
Calls for more decisive action, both from climate experts and businesses, underscore the urgency of the situation.
The fading perception of UK leadership on climate change necessitates a renewed commitment to addressing the global challenges of climate, nature, and the environment.
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