From fossil fuels to carbon offsetting, the British government must practise what it preaches if it is to inspire others to step up This summer alone has seen scorching heat domes smother parts of the US and Canada with record temperatures, and blistering heatwaves sweep across Pakistan. Torrential rain has caused devastating floods in China, as well as India, Germany, Belgium and Austria. And while fires are raging in Siberia, Madagascar is experiencing the world’s first famine caused solely by the climate crisis. Even here in the UK, the first extreme heat warnings were issued earlier this week. New extreme-weather events linked to the climate crisis have become rolling news. Their destruction and death tolls are a daily reminder that the UK-hosted Cop26 this autumn isn’t just the most important climate conference ever held, but the most important international summit of all time. With the world’s scientific community warning us that we have just eight years to implement the necessary measures to avoid the most catastrophic impacts of irreversible, runaway climate breakdown, failed talks are not an option. There are just 100 days until the summit begins in Glasgow, but there’s a lot to do and a long way to go if the UK is going to make it a success. Every country must bring forward targets and tangible policies for the next decade that will cut global emissions enough to keep alive the goal of the Paris agreement – limiting global temperature rises to 1.5 degrees. This requires careful diplomacy, inspired leadership and an example set for others to follow. So much of the summit’s success hinges on the credibility of the UK’s presidency when the negotiations get tough – credibility that depends on action, not words. The British government claims to be a world leader on climate action. Yes, it has some of the toughest climate targets but targets alone won’t cut emissions. Even Boris Johnson’s own climate advisers warned just... |