uk
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Oil and gas ties in UK Parliament raise concerns
A significant number of newly elected UK MPs have backgrounds in lobbying and consultancy for oil and gas companies, leading to concerns about potential industry influence on policy-making.
In short:
- Twenty-four MPs elected in 2024 previously worked for firms representing fossil fuel clients, including major oil and gas companies and coal power stations.
- Labour and Conservative MPs have backgrounds in communications and lobbying, with some having worked for agencies with ties to BP, Phillips 66 and ExxonMobil.
- Critics argue this may hinder the political transition to renewable energy, given the fossil fuel industry's entrenched influence in politics.
Key quote:
“Part of what stops this transition from occurring is the embedded influence of the fossil fuels industry in politics.”
— Carla Denyer, Green Party co-leader
Why this matters:
The fossil fuel industry's influence over UK MPs could delay crucial policy changes needed to combat climate change. This raises concerns about the UK's ability to transition to renewable energy and meet its environmental goals.
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Credit: UK Government/flickr
Ed Miliband to lead UK delegation at COP29
Ed Miliband will spearhead the UK’s efforts at this year's crucial climate summit in Azerbaijan, marking a significant change from the Conservative government's approach.
In short:
- Ed Miliband, energy security and net zero secretary, will lead the UK delegation at COP29 in Azerbaijan this November.
- His involvement is expected to bring strong UK leadership to the negotiations, which will focus on climate finance for developing countries.
- The geopolitical landscape, including conflicts and the upcoming US election, will influence the summit's outcomes.
Key quote:
"The fact that the multilateral negotiations will be led by the secretary of energy himself instead of delegating to a junior minister denotes recognition of the importance of the process as we near the halfway point in this decisive decade. We could not be more pleased with the news."
— Christiana Figueres, founding partner of the Global Optimism thinktank
Why this matters:
Effective leadership at COP29 means more than just high-level pledges; it requires a nuanced approach that balances diplomacy, innovation, and accountability. Leaders must build on the momentum from previous conferences, such as COP26 in Glasgow, where key agreements on methane reduction and deforestation were made. However, these commitments need to translate into action, with clear timelines and measurable outcomes.
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Top Story
Credit: Billy Joachim/Unsplash
UK bids farewell to fossil fuel pact
The UK has exited the Energy Charter Treaty, joining a wave of EU countries in rejecting the agreement criticized for hindering climate goals.
In short:
- The UK's departure from the Energy Charter Treaty aligns with its net zero emission targets, following the lead of several EU countries.
- The treaty, originally intended to protect energy investments, has been used by fossil fuel companies to sue governments for phasing out fossil fuels.
- Efforts to modernize the treaty have stalled, prompting countries to abandon it due to its misalignment with contemporary climate objectives.
Key quote:
"The Energy Charter Treaty is outdated and in urgent need of reform but talks have stalled and sensible renewal looks increasingly unlikely."
— Graham Stuart, UK Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero
Why this matters:
The UK's exit from the Energy Charter Treaty marks a shift toward prioritizing environmental policies over fossil fuel interests. This move sets a precedent for other nations, underscoring the growing global commitment to combat climate change.
Peter Dykstra: Headwinds remain for clean energy.
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Photo by Frédéric Paulussen on Unsplash
UK government sets out plans for ‘biggest nuclear power expansion in 70 years’
Ministers hope to build fleet of reactors to meet quarter of electricity demand by 2050 but critics highlight long delays and rising costs.
Photo by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash
Big carmakers lobbied UK to weaken or delay electric car rules
Several of the world’s biggest carmakers lobbied the UK government to try to weaken or delay rules to accelerate electric car sales and cut Britain’s carbon emissions.
Photo by Zach Rowlandson on Unsplash
UK weather: 2023 was second warmest year on record, says Met Office
The 10 warmest years in the UK have all occurred since 2003 according to provisional Met Office data.
Big Stock Photo
The climate crisis will amplify the UK’s existing health inequalities
A public health agency report issues a stark warning: the impact of changing climate on health is proportionately negative to the most disadvantaged.
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