Prime Minister, Kier Starmer, speaks at COP29

Speaking at COP29, Keir Starmer announced the UK would adopt the NDC target initially recommended by the Climate Change Committee: to reduce all greenhouse gas emissions by at least 81% on 1990 levels by 2035.

This represents an increase in ambition on the previous UK NDC, set in 2021 to reduce emissions by at least 68% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.

The Climate Change Committee has advised that this target is 1.5 degree-aligned – saying this NDC “makes a credible contribution towards limiting warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.” The CCC have also said this target is consistent with the emissions reduction required to meet the UK’s legally binding Sixth Carbon Budget (2033 to 2037).

Speech Summary

• The Government recognises that the world stands at a critical juncture in the climate crisis, and that the UK has a role to play, and that there is “an opportunity to grasp.”
• Warming above 1.5 degrees will?risk greater economic instability and national insecurity.?
• There is no national security, no economic security, no global security, without climate security.?
• The UK Government is “restoring our role as a climate leader on the world stage.” Starmer said “I don’t want to be in middle of the pack. I want to get ahead of the game.”
• He provided an overview of domestic UK commitments, including investments in CCUS and Great British Energy.
• Starmer announced the updated UK NDC – reduce all greenhouse gas emissions by at least 81% on 1990 levels by 2035. He said the target was “aligned with our goals for growth.”
• He said the UK will also soon be launching the Global Clean Power Alliance, which he explained was a political alliance of countries committed to accelerating the clean energy transition.
• He said that “With this government, the UK will lead the way, and lead Britain and the world, into a cleaner, safer, a more prosperous future for all.”

The full speech can be read here https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/pm-remarks-at-cop29-12-november-2024

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