Today, Rishi Sunak joined the COP27 summit to advocate for a “global mission for clean growth”; yet, he faces a rising dispute about “reparations” to states impacted by climate change.
The Prime Minister is in Egypt for the gathering, his first test on the international scene since assuming the No. 10 position, having reversed his initial decision not to attend.
Developing nations are demanding compensation for extreme weather occurrences caused by climate change, while the United Kingdom implements severe austerity measures and tax increases at home.
Nicola Sturgeon, who has also flown in for the conference, increased the pressure this morning by stating that countries that industrialized first have a “responsibility” to assist “deal with the effects.”
Business Secretary Grant Shapps refused to rule out the possibility, stating that the United Kingdom is “supportive of conversations” taking place in Sharm El-Sheikh.
However, former prime minister Boris Johnson stated at a fringe event that neither Britain nor any other nation has the financial means to pay restitution.
While acknowledging that the United Kingdom was responsible for significant carbon emissions, he suggested that private investment and technical solutions should be prioritized. “Let’s look ahead,” he continued.
Mr. Sunak may have an awkward encounter with his predecessor in the future, despite the premier’s insistence that “no hatchet needs to be buried.”
Other developments today include:
Mr. Sunak is “disappointed” that Matt Hancock is participating in I’m A Celebrity, while Business Secretary Grant Shapps believes he should be assisting residents.
Mr Johnson will use his own address in Egypt to battle ‘corrosive cynicism’ on the drive towards Net Zero. Mr Sunak has said he will not be a ‘Scrooge’ following the Autumn Statement on November 17, despite indications that Jeremy Hunt will introduce sweeping tax hikes and spending cuts.
Today, Rishi Sunak converses with Israeli President Isaac Herzog during the COP27 summit in Egypt.
At the conference in Egypt today, Rishi Sunak met with other leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen of the European Union.
Today, Mr. Sunak met with UAE Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Rishi Sunak is currently in Egypt for the COP27 summit, having reversed his initial plan to participate.
Mr. Sunak faces a severe test as developing nations seek “reparations” for extreme weather events caused by climate change, while the United Kingdom imposes draconian austerity measures and tax increases at home.
As he spoke at the COP27 summit in Egypt, Boris Johnson pondered on the impact of the heat, which is considered evidence of climate change.
Boris jokes HEATWAVE incited a rebellion against him.
Boris Johnson joked today that this summer’s “intolerable” heatwave in London could have launched the coup against him.
During his address at the COP27 summit in Egypt, the former prime minister speculated on the impact of the heat, which is considered evidence of climate change.
Mr. Johnson further denied that he was upstaging Rishi Sunak by attending the event, stating that he was only a “foot soldier and spear carrier” for the Conservatives.
He told the New York Times event that he was the’spirit’ of the COP26 summit held in Glasgow last year during his reign.
Mr. Johnson was compelled to leave Downing Street as a result of a wave of ministerial resignations, including that of Mr. Sunak, which rendered his position untenable.
Following the fall of the administration formed by his successor, Liz Truss, he subsequently abruptly withdrew from the Conservative leadership race.
According to Downing Street, Mr. Sunak intends to cement last year’s Cop26 conference in Glasgow with over £200 million in UK investment to safeguard forests and develop in “green” technologies.
Mr. Sunak’s attendance at the summit in the Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh, alongside world leaders such as U.S. President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron, is his first appearance on the international stage since becoming prime minister a month ago.
In interviews yesterday, Ed Miliband, the shadow environment minister, emphasized that increasing aid to other nations would also be in Britain’s “self-interest.”
However, while he mentioned Pakistan and the Maldives as potential recipients of ‘loss and damage’ payments, he disputed that China would also receive cash.
Mr. Miliband also refrained from referring to payments to developing nations as “reparations” for climate change-related damages, stating that “many people are averse to the term’reparations’.”
At the Cop-27 summit, ‘loss and damage’ is anticipated to be a central topic, as developing nations have already made requests prior to the Egypt meeting.
The G77+ China nations will also reiterate their need for a dedicated financial facility for loss and damage.
Ms. Sturgeon stated that richer countries, which are mostly responsible for climate change, have a “responsibility” to assist those affected by its effects.
She told the BBC, “I believe this Cop is a chance for the global north and south to get together and have a mature conversation about how we create change.”
‘We must combat climate change and help countries adapt to its effects, but as we’ve seen over the past year, not least in Pakistan, there are many places of the world that are currently experiencing permanent loss and damage that cannot be alleviated.
In the spirit of solidarity, the wealthier nations that have mostly contributed to climate change must now make significant efforts to assist those dealing with its effects.
Business Secretary Grant Shapps evaded the question of whether the government accepts the notion of “reparations” to poorer nations during a series of interviews this morning.
“We embrace the premise that there should be a conversation about this, and in a sense, this has been acknowledged all along,”
‘Today, for instance, the Prime Minister is announcing over £65 million in aid for underdeveloped nations to enable them to create energy in a sustainable manner; tacit approval exists.
We industrialized first, but we recognize that the rest of the world must be able to catch up as well.
Asked if the payments might thus be made, he responded, ‘There is a large international discussion taking place; this is one of the topics being discussed at Cop27 in Egypt, and the British attitude is that we welcome ongoing discussions.’
In his inaugural statement, the prime minister will assert that countries must adhere to their Glasgow promises if the world is to escape the worst effects of climate change by limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
Simultaneously, he will argue that the move away from fossil fuels has the potential to spur economic growth and create opportunities in the new green sectors of the future, while simultaneously cutting off funding for Russia’s conflict in Ukraine.
Mr. Sunak is anticipated to declare, “The globe gathered in Glasgow with a final opportunity to create a plan to limit global temperature rises to 1.5C.” Today’s question is: Can we muster the collective will to fulfill these promises?
‘I believe we can. By honoring the commitments we made in Glasgow, we can transform our fight against climate change into a global mission for the creation of new employment and sustainable economic growth.
And we can leave our children a planet that is greener and a brighter future. That is a legacy of which we may be proud.’
Prior to his nocturnal arrival in Sharm El-Sheikh, the Prime Minister expressed his desire for the United Kingdom to be a leader on the problem.
He told The Sun, “We led the world last year when it came to the Cop we hosted and accomplished some really important things; we need to solidify our leadership.”
I want to be there representing the United Kingdom as a leader on these issues.
In accordance with an arrangement between the Palace and former prime minister Liz Truss, he also paid homage to the King, who will not be present at the event.
He has exhibited extraordinary leadership on this matter for a very long period. Even though he will not be physically present, I am certain he will be there in spirit. We shall be guided by his influence and leadership,’ he said.
Mr. Sunak, according to Downing Street, will announce an additional £65.5million for the clean energy innovation facility, which provides grants to researchers and scientists in developing countries working on clean technologies, such as biomass-powered refrigeration in India and lithium-ion batteries in Nigeria.
As Mr. Sunak forms a new group to track deforestation promises made in Glasgow, the United Kingdom is also promising £90 million to the conservation of the Congo Basin rainforest and £65 million to indigenous and local forest communities.
The PM will have a confrontation with Emmanuel Macron (seen today) over the migrant problem in the English Channel as he pushes for a fresh agreement.
The United Kingdom is passing the COP summit baton to Egypt after hosting the 26th session in Glasgow, Scotland, last year.
Prior to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s November 17 autumn statement, Mr. Sunak had argued that his top goal was to fix the estimated £60 billion black hole in the public finances before departing for Egypt.
As a result of criticism from inside his own party and from environmentalists who questioned his dedication to the net-zero objective, he was compelled to do what the opposition termed a “screeching U-turn.”
Ed Miliband, the shadow secretary for climate change, stated that the Prime Minister should now abandon plans to give new North Sea exploration licenses and cease the government’s hostility to onshore wind.
Rishi Sunak is the man who had to be dragged kicking and screaming to Cop, thus his claim to climate leadership is ridiculous. He stated that Rishi Sunak is a fossil fuel prime minister in an age of renewable energy.
The most recent session of United Nations climate talks takes place against a backdrop of destructive extreme weather and an energy and cost-of-living crises caused by President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
The United Nations has issued a warning that, based on the most recent climate action plans of the world’s nations, there is now no realistic method to fulfill the 1.5C goal designed to avert the worst effects of global warming.
The UN has cautioned that wealthy nations are failing to provide the necessary funds to assist developing nations adapt to a changing climate and prosper sustainably.