Keir Starmer is set to announce a new climate pledge for the UK at COP29 in Azerbaijan, The Guardian reveals. The UK will commit to cutting emissions by 81% by 2035, compared to 1990 levels. This target aligns with the independent Climate Change Committee’s recommendations.
It will be one of the first Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) presented at COP29, well ahead of the formal submission deadline in February 2025.
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UK’s Plan for Carbon Reduction
The UK’s 2035 climate goal will be achieved through major investments in green technologies and a transition to cleaner energy. The decarbonization of the power sector will be central to the strategy. It will be supported by a large-scale expansion of offshore wind capacity.
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology will also be deployed, alongside new investments in nuclear energy. The UK is one of the first countries to announce an NDC, setting an example for other nations.
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However, Friends of the Earth’s head of campaigns, Rosie Downes, cautioned that while the 81% reduction target is a step forward, it must not be seen as the final ambition. She emphasized that deeper and faster cuts are essential to avoid irreversible climate impacts.
Global NDC Submissions Under Scrutiny
While the UK’s target is viewed positively, other countries have received criticism for their less ambitious climate plans. The UAE’s NDC, for example, was called “greenwashing” by 350.org, while Brazil’s submission was criticized for being “misaligned” with climate science by the Climate Observatory. These underwhelming NDCs underscore the urgent need for stronger leadership at COP29.
Focus on Global Climate Finance
COP29 has also focused on climate finance, with an emphasis on making $1 trillion available to poorer countries by 2035 to help them reduce emissions and adapt to climate impacts. However, developed countries have only committed to providing $100 billion annually, falling short of the amount needed.
Carbon Credits and Carbon Markets
At COP29, negotiators approved new rules for carbon credits. This allows wealthy countries to offset emissions by funding projects in developing nations. While this could help address financial gaps, critics warn it may let rich countries delay costly domestic emission cuts.
Environmental groups also raised concerns about the risk of human rights violations and environmental harm in poorly regulated projects.
As COP29 progresses, attention will shift to ensuring climate finance and carbon markets support developing countries effectively. The UK’s ambitious NDC is a positive step, but much more needs to be done globally to tackle the climate crisis, The Guardian reveals.