The UK wants to lead
During 2 weeks in November the UK stepped out onto the world stage for the United Nations climate talks known as COP29.
These yearly talks are crucial for generating a global consensus on tackling the climate crisis and this year the UK Government clearly wants to be seen as a leader.
It was one of only two states in the G7 whose head of state was present. And the Prime Minister took the opportunity to announce new targets to reduce UK emissions by at least 81% compared to 1990 levels by 2035.
Both positive steps that show the UK Government know that the public cares about tackling climate change and about creating a healthy planet for our children and all our neighbours.
Failures on finance
These climate talks were billed as the 'finance COP.' The focus was on how rich countries (with historically high carbon emissions) should support developing countries to cope with the impacts of the climate crisis and to develop without having to rely on fossil fuels.
On that front the UK came empty-handed.
Like other rich country governments, the UK could choose to raise ‘climate finance’ by making polluters pay. This would cost to the UK public nothing. A Christian Aid report shows tax on excess fossil fuel profits alone could raise £13 billion.
But the UK (like others) chose business as usual over vision or leadership, leaving those on the frontline of the climate crisis to continue to bear the cost.
In the aftermath of COP29, join Ugandan activist Vanessa Nakate's call for action from the UK Government
A plank of wood in stormy seas
Throughout the talks there was a huge emphasis on attracting private money, but private money follows profit, and profit can be hard to come by when we’re talking about investments to support communities to rebuild after storms, floods and drought.
Public money in the form of grants is crucial when it comes to serving our neighbours living in poverty – and this was in short supply.
Image credits and information
The new ‘climate finance goal’ agreed at these talks was meant to give people of the global south a lifeboat out of the climate crisis. But all they got was a plank of wood to cling on to.
As we look ahead to COP30 in Brazil we need rich countries to step up. Here in the UK, we need to show the UK Government that we want action and leadership, not just on emissions targets, but also on supporting those bearing the brunt of the climate crisis.
The unstoppable power of hope
COP meetings go beyond high-level negotiations - they are a dynamic space where civil society unites to build coalitions, foster dialogue, and propose actions to address the climate crisis.
From Colombia to Malawi, and across Latin America, Africa, and Asia, Christian Aid’s partners are at the heart of these efforts, advocating for bold action, and pushing for accountability and inclusion in global decision-making.
They bring critical perspectives to the table, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. Here is where I find hope.
The International Centre for Climate Change and Development from Bangladesh used COP29 to launch a new comic book focused on loss experienced by communities hit hardest by the climate crisis.
Climalab from Colombia showcased their locally-led efforts to adapt to climate change in rural Colombia and highlighted how solutions can emerge when communities lead the way.
And despite many frustrations and challenges, partners and allies joined campaign actions and lobbied delegations as best they could.
Christian Aid’s delegation worked tirelessly to support our partners, grow the voices of civil society in climate vulnerable countries and unleash the unstoppable power of hope.
We are not defeated.
