British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has said that Britain will cut greenhouse gas emissions by 81% by 2035 as he committed the country to a more ambitious climate goal at the United Nations COP29 climate summit.
The new goal is in line with a recommendation from a committee of climate advisers who said last month the target should exceed the current 78% cut to emissions, measured against 1990 levels.
“At this COP, I was pleased to announce that we’re building on our reputation as a climate leader, with the UK’s 2035 NDC (nationally determined contributions) target to reduce all greenhouse gas emissions by at least 81% on 1990 levels,” Starmer told a press conference on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at the climate gathering in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Starmer said the British public would not be burdened because of the new target, which excludes international aviation and shipping emissions.
“What we’re not going to do, is start telling people how to live their lives. We’re not going to start dictating to people what they do,” he said.
In a reaction, climate NGO, 350.org, welcomed the timely delivery of the new UK climate goal but warned that its ambition falls short of true climate leadership.
Kate Blagojevic, Associate Director of Europe at 350.org, said: “Getting the UK’s more ambitious climate goals out of the door early is a good move by Keir Starmer as it shows willingness to show his cards on an international stage – this is much needed to encourage others to do so. The UK has the potential to become a true global climate leader on the world stage but isn’t quite there yet. For Keir Starmer to claim the coveted mantle in time, the more ambitious emissions reduction targets need to get back on track and be delivered on time without relying on CCS and nuclear power.
“While Keir Starmer might balk at the cost of doing the right thing, the private sector cannot be relied on to deliver what is needed. But he could force billionaires to pay the tax they owe and choose to channel the increased revenue into delivering real climate action at home and globally so we can hit these targets and pay our fair share. When he delivers this, then the UK will truly be at the forefront of global climate leadership.”
Despite these promising developments, campaigners at 350.org stressed that true global climate leadership requires more than incremental progress.
The Director and Founder of Nairobi-based climate and energy think tank, Power Shift Africa, Mohamed Adow, in a response to Starmer’s announcement, argued that the Prime Minister would not be able to create a microclimate over Britain by simply announcing UK emissions reductions.
He said: “Climate change is an international problem demanding international solutions. For the UK to be properly protected, it needs to help the Global South to decarbonise.”
