UK commitment to cut greenhouse gas emissions must be ‘starting point, not finish line’, climate advisers say – Cop29 day two, as it happened

More reaction has been rolling in on the UK’s new commitment to cut greenhouse gas emissions, which were trailed to my colleague, Fiona Harvey, last night, and then finally delivered by Keir Starmer, the prime minister, in a statement in Baku this afternoon.

Shruti Agarwal, senior adviser on climate change and sustainable economies at Save the Children, said:

The UK government’s commitment to an 81% emissions reduction by 2035 is an encouraging step. But let this be the starting point, not the finish line, in the UK’s ambition to protect children who continue to bear the brunt of the climate crisis

COP29 is an opportunity to build on this global leadership with further meaningful action on climate both in the UK and around the world.

It’s time we stand with children and put their voices at the heart of every aspect of climate change decision-making and financing.

As COP29 progresses we hope to see the UK drive forward discussions for a new international climate finance goal and action in the UK ensuring a fair, just transition for all.

Friederike Roder, vice president of global policy and advocacy, Global Citizen, said:

The UK’s ambitious new NDC sends a powerful message that climate action is unstoppable, and that climate leadership can and will be found across the world

The UK’s decision to listen to climate scientists, and to citizens, and reduce emissions by 81% will cement its position as a global leader in climate action. The decision to do so early - at this critical moment - is equally important in building momentum and setting an example for others to follow.

Like all commitments at COP, the proof will be in the delivery. But by setting early goals and outlining ambitious targets, the UK is showing much needed leadership at this important moment. We hope this leads to all nations setting ambitious, high action NDCs that keep the world on track for 1.5 degrees, and encourages those here at COP29 to deliver an NCQG which provides the vital finance to achieve these goals.

But the UK’s job isn’t done: so far, it has not made any new commitments on international public finance for climate. The poorest countries in the world urgently need additional support to fund their NDCs, ensure a just energy transition and withstand natural disasters. The UK could also show leadership in mobilising new sources of finances by joining the Task Force on Global Solidarity Levies.

Frans Berkhout, professor of environment, society and climate at King’s College London, said:

The Prime Minister’s announcement on UK climate action at COP29 in Baku is highly significant. The 81% emissions reduction target for 2035 is tougher than the existing target.

Mr Starmer aims to recapture the UK’s leadership position on climate precisely at a moment of peril for climate policy following Donald Trump’s election. It commits the UK to more rapid investments in renewables and to tackling the really hard parts of the pathway to net-zero – transport, buildings and food.

As Starmer says, these represent huge opportunities, but delivery will be complex and is high-stakes politically.

Cover photo: The Drax Bio mass power station in Selby, England. Photograph: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images