UK
UK floats ‘climate compatibility’ test for new oil and gas drilling
The UK government says new oil and gas licensing can fit with its climate commitments. Campaigners, citing the International Energy Agency, disagree
UK sets out economy-wide strategy to meet 2050 net zero goal
Analysts welcomed the plan days before the UK hosts the Cop26 summit but warned more public investments were needed to give it credibility
UK pledges to make scaling up adaptation finance a priority at G7 summit
At a ministerial meeting of donor and developing countries, the UK said it would aim to secure additional financial support for vulnerable nations by June
UK rules out public subsidy for East African oil pipeline
UK Export Finance will no longer back oil and gas projects overseas, shutting off a potential source of support for a major pipeline across Uganda and Tanzania
Five ways the UK is failing to walk the talk on a green recovery ahead of Cop26
While vocal on raising climate ambition on the global stage, recent domestic policy announcements undermine the UK host’s leadership credentials
Plans for UK coal mine suspended after criticism of net zero commitment
The UK Committee on Climate Change says the use of coking coal should be curbed by 2035, but the application says the mine will not be closed until the end of 2049
UK net zero commitment questioned, as government allows new coal mine
The UK government has been accused of “rank hypocrisy” for letting a new coal mine go ahead while seeking to lead on climate as hosts of Cop26 summit
UK Supreme Court lifts ban on Heathrow airport third runway
Heathrow still faces major obstacles to carry out its expansion plans, in light of the UK’s 2050 net zero target and uncertain future demand
‘Looking for positivity’: Parisversaire party to revive momentum on climate
After a year disrupted by coronavirus, national leaders are expected to announce climate commitments on Saturday, the fifth anniversary of the Paris Agreement
UK announces stronger 2030 emissions target, setting the bar for ambition summit
The UK will cut emissions 68% from 1990 to 2030, Boris Johnson announced, urging other leaders to bring new commitments to the 5th anniversary of the Paris Agreement
UK scrambles to decide first post-Brexit climate pledge to the Paris Agreement
The Cop26 host is on a tight timeline to set a 2030 carbon-cutting target separate from the EU’s, ahead of an ambition summit on the fifth anniversary of Paris
UK aid budget cuts undermine trust ahead of Cop26 summit, experts warn
As developing countries prepare to negotiate a scaling up of climate finance at next year’s Cop26, the UK host faces criticism for reneging on its aid commitment
Boris Johnson has further to go on climate to show true leadership
The UK prime minister’s plan for a “green industrial revolution” sends a strong political signal, but more is needed for a credible decarbonisation strategy ahead of Cop26
Boris Johnson sets out 10-point plan to get UK on track for net zero
The UK premier majored on hydrogen, nuclear and carbon capture in a package aiming to set the bar for hosting Cop26 climate talks next year
UK looks to Cop26 climate summit to fix awkward relationship with Biden
US president-elect Biden sees Johnson as a “clone” of Trump and disagrees with him on Brexit, but both leaders want to make next year’s Glasgow climate talks a success
UK Supreme Court hears climate case on Heathrow airport expansion
Heathrow Airport is challenging a ruling that quashed plans to build a third runway earlier this year, based on the UK commitment to the Paris Agreement
UK plans to boost climate ambition face delays amid rising Covid-19 cases
The UK host of critical Cop26 climate talks was tipped to set out its vision to world leaders during the UN general assembly, but the timeline has slipped
UK makes assurances on climate finance amid concerns over aid restructuring
Experts warn shifting aid away from the world’s poorest would undermine critical alliance-building efforts ahead of the UK hosting Cop26 climate talks
UK risks missing UN climate deadline, in headache for hosts of key summit
Britain’s timeline for developing a more ambitious climate plan has slipped, challenging diplomatic efforts to encourage other countries to raise their game
UK aid and foreign ministry merger raises fears for politicisation of climate finance
The move puts Britain’s economic interests abroad above efforts to eliminate poverty and protect the most vulnerable, experts warn