World leaders have been warned that a major UK climate summit is the “last hope” for limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees.
COP26 boss Alok Sharma will say today(FRI) that the gathering of global leaders in November was the last chance to “pick the planet”.
In a speech outside Glasgow, Mr Sharma will urge world leaders to “rise to the occasion and not be found wanting in their tryst with destiny”.
And he will call for coal to be consigned to history – only months after the Government called in a controversial bid for a coal mine in Cumbria.
Mr Sharma was due to say: “This is our last hope of keeping 1.5 degrees alive. Our best chance of building a brighter future. A future of green jobs and cleaner air.
(Image: NurPhoto/PA Images)
“I have faith that world leaders will rise to the occasion and not be found wanting in their tryst with destiny.
“That, in six months time, when we are packing up and going home, we will be able to say that at this critical juncture, each of us took responsibility.”
He said his young daughters had asked him to send the message to world leaders, saying “please, tell them to pick the planet.”
Oxfam’s Climate Policy Advisor Tracy Carty said: “Alok Sharma may have faith that world leaders will rise to the occasion, but six months is not long.
“The UK Government should strain every diplomatic sinew to ensure Glasgow is a success for everyone, not least the communities already suffering the impacts of the climate crisis.
Kate Blagojevic, head of climate at Greenpeace UK, welcomed his commitment to the 1.5C goal but called for more action.
“The UK can’t claim climate leadership overseas whilst at home the Government continues to entertain a new coal mine in Cumbria or maintains the planning block on English onshore wind,” she said.
“With only six months left the clock is ticking, if the Government wants to be climate leaders it’s time they act like it.”
