The Prime Minister has appointed as full-time President of the UN COP26 climate
conference in Glasgow this November, with appointed as Secretary of State for Business, Energy
and Industrial Strategy.
COP26 will be the largest summit the UK has ever hosted, bringing
together representatives from nearly 200 countries, including
world leaders, experts, and campaigners.
To meet the high ambitions for the summit in the year of COP26,
will solely focus on driving forward coordinated
global action to tackle climate change. A successful summit in
November will be critical if we want to meet the objectives set
out by the Paris Agreement and reduce global emissions. The UK
has set a high bar, with our recent commitment to reduce
emissions by at least 68% by 2030, but we also need other
countries to do their bit.
has been a leading force behind the UK’s climate
diplomacy, since assuming the role in February 2020. The Climate
Ambition Summit co-hosted by the UK in December last year saw 75
world leaders set out new commitments to climate action.
The COP26 President will be based in the Cabinet Office,
continuing as a full member of Cabinet, and will chair the
Climate Action Implementation Committee to coordinate government
action towards net zero by 2050 in the run up to COP26.
COP26 President said:
“The biggest challenge of our time is climate change and we need
to work together to deliver a cleaner, greener world and build
back better for present and future generations.
“Through the UK’s Presidency of COP26 we have a unique
opportunity, working with friends and partners around the world,
to deliver on this goal.
“Given the vital importance of tackling climate change I am
delighted to have been asked by the Prime Minister to dedicate
all my energies to this urgent task.”
has been appointed Secretary of State for Business,
Energy and Industrial Strategy.
With a wealth of experience working in the department, with
industry and across government in his previous role as Minister
of State, will lead and bring together work on business,
science and innovation to unleash investment and growth in his
new role as Secretary of State.
will become Minister of State for Business, Energy and Clean
Growth, taking forward climate and energy policy, including
implementing plans in the Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan for a
Green Industrial Revolution.
She will also continue in her role as UK’s International Champion
on Adaptation and Resilience for the COP26 Presidency, supporting
countries vulnerable to climate change to adapt to its impacts
and build resilience.
The UK continues to lead by example in cutting emissions by more
than any other similar developed nation – and at the fastest
rate. The Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan sets out how we will go
further and faster towards a greener future, including committing
to end the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030,
supporting renewable energy projects across the UK, investing in
technology and transforming the energy efficiency of the UK’s
homes and public buildings.
