Andy Burnham has declared climate change as a “national security issue” during his address at the UN Cop31 summit, stating that “Britain is back,” reports BritPanorama.
In his first appearance at the annual conference as prime minister, Mr Burnham emphasized that “Britain will answer the call” regarding action on climate change. This statement comes amid criticism that his government has deprioritized the green agenda. He reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to achieving its 2050 net zero target and collaborating with other nations to reach theirs.
During his speech in Turkey, Mr Burnham remarked that the “climate crisis is upon all of us now,” in light of a “not normal” summer characterized by extreme heat, wildfires, and drought. He added, “The climate crisis is not a distant threat; it is upon us all now, devastating lives and livelihoods everywhere.”
Highlighting the impact of ongoing conflicts worldwide, he noted that “two wars across two continents have sent fuel prices and gas bills soaring for families and businesses across the world,” attributing this to the common thread of dependence on fossil fuels.
Mr Burnham reiterated his message at the summit, stating, “we’re committed to meeting our 2050 net zero target, and committed to working with all of our partners to reach theirs.” The backdrop for this gathering includes rising global oil and gas prices triggered by ongoing conflict in Iran, compelling countries to reevaluate their energy strategies.
Concerns surrounding Mr Burnham’s environmental commitment have intensified, particularly following reports suggesting that ministers might cut electric vehicle sales targets by approximately a quarter. Additionally, approval for the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea has attracted significant criticism from advocates urging the government to halt the even larger Rosebank oil project.
In a bid to underscore his green agenda prior to the summit, Mr Burnham welcomed a £12 billion investment in offshore wind farms off the Norfolk coast, which includes £1 billion from the state-backed National Wealth Fund.
Expected to be the only G7 leader addressing the summit in Antalya, Mr Burnham’s appearance comes with notable absences, including US President Donald Trump, who opted not to send a delegation for the second consecutive year, as well as Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, both of whom are among the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitters.
Mr Burnham was the first speaker at the conference, addressing a half-empty plenary hall at the session’s beginning, attended by Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband and London Mayor Lord Sadiq Khan.
Furthering the UK’s climate initiatives, he appointed a climate security envoy tasked with prioritizing the identification of climate risks as a national security concern. Dame Madeleine Alessandri, chairwoman of the Joint Intelligence Committee, will work to strengthen international partnerships on climate issues, stating her commitment to enhance understanding of climate threats and resilience planning.
On the sidelines of the event, Mr Burnham is also anticipated to meet with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to discuss collaborative efforts in protecting the Amazon rainforest.
