In his first significant speech in his new position, the foreign secretary discussed the interplay between the natural and climate problems and geopolitics, conflict, and insecurity.
The goal of the new Labour government is to revitalize UK energy policy and restore the nation’s standing as a leader in climate action worldwide. This was highlighted during the UK’s hosting of the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, but it was weakened under former prime minister Rishi Sunak.
Its main energy goal is to have 100% clean electricity by 2030, which entails switching from gas and coal to nuclear and renewable energy sources.
The aim is five years ahead of the Tories’ 2035 target, but it differs only little from it.
Now, the government hopes to utilize this goal to pressure other nations to accelerate their decarbonization.
According to the Foreign Office, it will accomplish this through establishing a new “Global Clean Power Alliance” that aims to provide more funds to help other nations “leapfrog” fossil fuels in favor of clean power systems.
Though the Foreign Office views the alliance mainly as a diplomatic tool to forge deeper ties with other nations on climate issues, it currently lacks new money and members.
