COP30 Climate Conference
Climate change is not just a future threat to the planet, but a present danger that is already affecting communities here in the UK and around the world. We are seeing extreme heat, floods, wildfires and drought across the globe, disrupting peoples’ lives and livelihoods. That is why it is crucial the world comes together at COP30. It must be a turning point that puts us on a credible pathway to accelerate climate action so we can limit warming to 1.5°C.
Before the Paris Agreement in 2015, the world was on track for 4°C of warming by the end of this century. Now, if countries deliver on their 2030 targets, we are on track for 2.6°C. And if each country delivers on its net zero commitments, it could be 1.9°C. This is not enough but it shows the progress that can be achieved through multilateralism.
I therefore welcome that the Prime Minister will be attending COP30 in Brazil, to help drive forward climate action and build on the steps the Government has taken to restore the UK as a global leader on this issue.
I am proud of the role the UK has played in bringing about global climate action. As the Climate Change Committee has said, we are among a leading group of countries demonstrating consistent and sustained decarbonisation, developing effective policies and deploying key technologies. And our actions to reduce emissions have served as an influential example to countries and markets around the world. After we passed the Climate Change Act in 2008, for example, 60 other countries passed their own versions of it. And since the UK signed net zero into law, the proportion of global GDP covered by net zero pledges has reached 80%.
This shows the difference we as a country can make. And it is why I am also proud to support the action the Government has taken – both here at home, such as through the clean power mission, and on the global stage, such as by being the first G7 country to announce an ambitious 2035 climate goal at last year’s COP29 – to restore the UK as a global climate leader. I look forward to it continuing to demonstrate this leadership and playing an active role at COP30.
Here in Sefton, emissions are down year on year for the past five years, with a reduction of 4,838 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) since 2019. UK Government data says that the average petrol car emits 170g of CO2 per kilometre, which means the saving is the equivalent of driving almost 28.3 million kilometres – or the same as going around the world over 700 times. A wide range of successful projects have led to this positive change:
Efforts to bring down electricity consumption in council assets have saved over 1.6 million kWh in the past year alone.
The Council has secured over £5 million in funding towards decarbonisation efforts that will see low energy heating systems installed in several key buildings.
Solar panels have been added to Council buildings, while more roads are due to join those that have received modern LED-powered streetlights.
Additionally, the Healthy Green Homes team continued its work in helping vulnerable residents to lower their energy bills and provide energy efficiency guidance.
Locally, nationally and globally, I will continue to push for strong action to prevent a climate catastrophe and secure a healthy planet for future generations.