Helen Clarkson, CEO of Climate Group, said:
“The Prime Minister travelling to COP29 is an important signal to the world that climate still matters.
To be a credible global leader on climate, the UK needs to be driving courageous climate ambition at home. In this context, an 81% reduction in emissions is a strong signal from the UK Government at a COP that is sorely lacking global leadership. This is the UK’s first NDC post-Brexit and comes at a critical time where ambition needs to go hand in hand with concrete action.
Achieving emissions reduction on this scale won’t be easy, but as the Prime Minister said, the economic prize on offer to the UK is enormous. Businesses are ready to jump on this huge opportunity, but the UK’s climate plans need to be investible and have a clear implementation pathway. Over the coming months, the UK needs to back up his presence with bold climate action at home and abroad."
ENDS