: “As COP
chair the UK government needs to get its own house in order when
it comes to climate change and demonstrate the global leadership
required so that others can follow suit”
The Green Party has welcomed the US’ official return to the Paris
Climate Agreement today. [1]
It has now warned the UK government that as chair it is
responsible for ensuring this year’s crucial COP talks bring
forth the necessary global commitments to prevent catastrophic
climate change.
Green Party co-leader said:
“The return of the US to the Paris climate agreement is vital if
we are to secure any meaningful climate action at this year’s COP
summit.
“As one of the world’s biggest carbon emitters, the US’
involvement in such a crucial international agreement should
never have been put in doubt by the Trump administration, and
today is a significant reminder of how grateful we should all be
that his presidency is over.
“This year’s COP is the most crucial ever. Unfortunately, it is
clear that we have left it far too late to stop damaging climate
change from happening, but if we are to stand any chance of
staying within the 1.5 degree warming limit and preventing the
most extreme outcomes, all countries must act with great urgency.
“As COP chair the UK government needs to get its own house in
order when it comes to climate change and demonstrate the global
leadership required so that others can follow suit. As long as it
keeps opening new coal mines, expanding airports and building new
roads its climate commitments cannot be taken seriously.
“The US’ official return to the Paris agreement today has made it
possible for the world to take the necessary action to prevent
runaway climate change. It is now up to the UK government to step
up and make sure this happens.”
ENDS
Notes
1. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/feb/19/us-official-return-paris-climate-pact
