Prime Minister delivers a rallying speech at COP27
Having changed his mind and deciding to attend COP27, Rishi Sunak gave strong messages and pledges in the fight against climate change.
The Prime Minister started off with a strong message of solidarity and urged for peace in the war between Russia and Ukraine.
It was his first international appearance since taking office and the PM made it clear how important peace is when tackling climate change. He said: “Climate and energy security go hand in hand”.
The prime minister also highlighted the war in Ukraine as a reason to be quicker in action against climate change. He added “Putin’s abhorrent war in Ukraine and rising energy prices are not a reason to go slow on climate change, they are a reason to act faster”.
Over the summit there were several leaders that urged the richer countries in the world to continue to be at the forefront in the fight against climate change despite the war in Ukraine and financial instability across the globe.
There were also stark reminders and warnings from a lot of people of how bad things are in terms of climate change. The UN secretary general Antonio Guterres said: “we are on a highway to climate hell with our foot on the accelerator”.
Former US vice-president Al Gore also added that “nations must stop subsiding the culture of death of fossil fuels.”
There have been world leaders touching down from all over the world to deliver speeches and pledges to the global war on climate change.
The French president Emmanuel Macron gave a speech in which he called for climate justice and gave his assurances of France’s best efforts.
Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson also attended the summit and have a comment on country’s making sure not to go “all weak and wobbly” when it comes to action on climate change.
Joe Biden is set to arrive in Sharm el-Sheikh later this week to deliver his speech and his promises for America’s fight against climate change.
While the well known Swedish activist Greta Thunberg has stayed well clear of the conference this year. This is after she accused the UN of greenwashing.
Rishi Sunak concluded his speech by reminding everyone how important it was to stick with the pledges made at COP26 in Glasgow. Things that include the end of deforestation by 2030 and to phase down the use of coal, one of the most damaging fossil fuels.
The Prime Minister has now returned to the UK and has shifted his focus to delivering the budget which has already been delayed to November 23rd.