COP26 delay must be used to maximise summit success

Reacting to the announcement made by the UNFCCC and the UK Government today regarding the new date for the COP26 climate summit, Nick Molho, Executive Director of the Aldersgate Group said: “With the UK presiding over two high stakes summits in 2021 (G7 and COP26), Boris Johnson’s government is entering a crucial period where it will have a major role to play on the global stage. The Prime Minister must ensure his Government uses the full year’s delay to COP26 to maximum effect so that the summit is a genuine success. Alongside targeted diplomatic engagement to deliver progress on some of the most thorny negotiation issues, the UK can maximise its impact at the summit by putting low-carbon growth at the heart of its economic recovery plan and by publishing a credible strategy to put the country on track for its net zero target. By delivering bold climate ambition at home and abroad, Boris Johnson’s government can raise the UK’s diplomatic profile and provide a vital platform for UK businesses to be amongst the most competitive providers of carbon goods and services.”

Nick Molho added: “The UK’s domestic agenda should include an economic recovery plan with a strong focus on low-carbon growth and a clear strategy to put the UK on a credible track to achieve its 2050 net zero emissions target. Leading by example will not only help the UK maximise its influence at COP26, but it will also allow its businesses to develop and strengthen their competitive advantages in the growing global market for low carbon goods and services.”