Alok Sharma looks ahead to end of UK's COP Presidency

“This welcome speech demonstrates that Mr. Sharma understands that the work needed to address climate change and halt global warming did not end with the conclusion of the COP summit in Glasgow. Despite huge distractions, global attention needs to remain focused on putting words into action.

“We should be clear that the world, and G20 countries in particular, need to make a huge shift in the level of ambition to reduce carbon emissions to stand any chance of keeping alive the goal of only 1.5°C of global warming.  

“When it comes to coping with the inevitable effects of climate change, it’s simply not good enough that we still don’t have a clear roadmap for richer countries to provide US$100bn a year to the poorest, and most vulnerable people, who have done the least to cause this catastrophe. The same goes for finance to pay for the losses and damage that these communities are already experiencing.”