What's happened
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer defends his government's clean energy policies at the climate summit in Belem, amid global and domestic divisions. He emphasizes economic opportunities and international cooperation, despite opposition from some political factions and global leaders like Trump and Xi Jinping. The UK aims to lead on climate action and secure green investments.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Messaging in a Divided Climate Landscape
The UK’s emphasis on economic benefits and green investment signals a pragmatic approach to climate policy, aiming to appeal to both domestic skeptics and international partners. Starmer’s focus on job creation and market opportunities—such as the projected £1 trillion worth of goods and services by 2030—positions climate action as an economic imperative.
However, the divergence among global leaders, exemplified by Trump’s push to expand oil and gas drilling and Xi Jinping’s absence from the summit, underscores a fractured international consensus. This fragmentation will likely hinder ambitious global climate agreements, making national leadership even more critical.
The UK’s push for international cooperation, despite these challenges, indicates a strategic effort to maintain influence and set a precedent for climate leadership. The emphasis on youth engagement and the upcoming COP30 summit highlight the importance of maintaining momentum and public support.
Forecasting forward, the UK’s success will depend on its ability to balance domestic political pressures with international diplomacy, leveraging economic opportunities to sustain climate commitments. The summit’s outcomes will shape the trajectory of global climate policy, with the UK aiming to position itself as a leader amid a fractured global landscape.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that Prime Minister Keir Starmer will defend his government’s climate policies at the summit, emphasizing economic opportunities and international leadership, despite opposition from political rivals and global leaders like Trump and Xi Jinping. The articles highlight the internal and external challenges to maintaining a unified climate agenda.
Sky News’s polling data reveals that public concern about man-made global warming remains high, but support for policies involving costs or disruptions is waning, reflecting political and social divisions within the UK. This underscores the difficulty of translating climate concern into policy action.
The Independent also notes Starmer’s efforts to engage young people and demonstrate UK leadership ahead of COP30, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and the economic potential of green industries. The articles collectively portray a complex landscape of political, economic, and social factors shaping the UK’s climate strategy.
How we got here
The UK Labour government pledged to phase out fossil fuels from electricity by 2030, aiming to address energy security, economic growth, and climate change. However, this agenda faces opposition from Conservative and Reform UK parties, which oppose costly net zero policies. Internationally, US President Biden has rolled back climate commitments, while China and the US remain divided on climate cooperation. The upcoming COP30 summit in Brazil is a key moment for global climate diplomacy, with UK leaders seeking to reaffirm commitments amid fractured consensus.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why Is the US Not Attending the Climate Summit in Brazil?
The absence of the United States from the upcoming climate summit in Brazil has raised many questions. With the US traditionally playing a key role in global climate negotiations, its decision to skip this event signals significant shifts in international climate politics. Many wonder what this means for global efforts to combat climate change and how other nations are responding. Below, we explore the reasons behind the US's absence, its implications, and what actions are still happening at subnational levels.
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What Are the Main Issues at COP30 and Why Do Some Countries Skip the Talks?
COP30 is the latest global climate summit where world leaders gather to discuss urgent climate action. However, not all countries participate fully, and the summit faces criticism over ongoing issues like emissions, disinformation, and political divisions. Curious about what’s really happening at COP30? Here are the key questions and answers to help you understand the current climate diplomacy landscape.
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Why Are World Leaders Skipping Key Summits and What Are the Implications?
Recent international events have seen a notable absence of some of the world's top leaders from major summits. From the US boycotting climate talks to Trump skipping the G20 over land claims, these decisions raise questions about global cooperation. What do these absences mean for international diplomacy and future collaborations? Below, we explore the key reasons behind these moves and their potential impact on global politics.
More on these topics
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northwestern coast of the European mainland.
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Xi Jinping is a Chinese politician serving as the general secretary of the Communist Party of China, president of the People's Republic of China, and chairman of the Central Military Commission.
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Brazil, officially the Federative Republic of Brazil, is the largest country in both South America and Latin America. At 8.5 million square kilometers and with over 211 million people, Brazil is the world's fifth-largest country by area and the sixth most