Beth Williams
During this week’s UN General Assembly meeting in New York, Boris Johnson has urged fellow World Leaders to be more proactive in their efforts against climate change.
During his address, Johnson accused some of the 100 World Leaders in attendance of doing “nowhere near enough” in combating Global Warming.
Climate Action Agenda
“future generations will judge us based on what we achieve in the coming months.”
Prior to his attendance, the Prime Minister showed interest in paying particular focus to the topics of coal, climate, cars and trees. Despite recent reports they are not predominantly to blame, Johnson will ask China to quicken its timetable for reducing emissions. Downing Street also revealed the Prime Minister would focus on supporting developing nations in reducing the impact of the climate crisis, as well as adapting to its consequences. He said:
“My message to those I meet this week will be clear: future generations will judge us based on what we achieve in the coming months. We need to continue to make a case for a sustainable recovery from coronavirus rooted in green growth. And we have a responsibility to ensure the benefits of that growth extend to all, no matter where they are born.”
The Climate Crisis
Johnson’s harsh stance is in response to many major countries failing to meet their own targets of cutting carbon emissions.
While scientists have stated that global carbon emissions must be cut by 45% by 2030 if global temperatures are to remain stable, the UN’s own analysis has concluded the current speed of actions are unlikely to reach its goal. On the contrary, emissions are predicated to rise 16% in the timeframe. This rate could lead to 2.7C temperature increase since pre-industrial times.
This year, Earth Overshoot Day fell on 29 July, meaning global consumption for ecological resources surpassed what the Earth can regenerate in a year, on that date. The earlier arrival of this eerie milestone every year, as well as the increase in examples of extreme weather such as floods and wildfires, serves as proof of the catastrophic impact of a dangerously heated planet. Further increase in temperatures caused by carbon emissions will lead to the Earth being inhabitable.
Britain’s Climate Action Hypocrisy
While Britain is the leader in setting targets for emission cuts, only a quarter of those policies have been delivered. Boris Johnson himself has been questioned for the environmental impact he has, through travelling.
He recently drew criticism after arriving at the G7 summit in Cornwall – 250 miles from London, by private aircraft rather than train. According to the government’s own figures, travelling by plane causes almost five times as much CO2 emissions than by train. The extortionate prices of train travel also force those travelling commercially within the UK to do so through aircraft.
U.S Visit
“breath of fresh air in the sense that there are some things on which we can really, really work together.”
As well as participating at the General Assembly Meetings, Johnson will be hosted at the White House on 21 September for the first time since Joe Biden won the US election in November 2020. Taking a swipe at Biden’s predecessor Donald Trump, the PM says working with Biden has been, a “breath of fresh air in the sense that there are some things on which we can really, really work together”.
During their time together, Johnson and Biden will be discussing the current situation in Afghanistan. As well as the repercussions of the new Aukus military pact between the UK, US and Australia.
What’s Next in The Fight Against Climate Change?
COP26, a climate change summit, is scheduled to take place in Glasgow this November. The annual climate conference will be five years on from the Paris Climate Agreement.
The anniversary means that its progress must be evaluated and if possible, increase its ambitions. The UK’s main goals for the summit include securing global net zero by mid-century and keep 1.5C, with the most important result the amount of countries who agree to the target. More than 30,000 people are predicted to be in attendance, from politicians to protesters.
While there is no denying the importance of these discussions, it is hard to ignore the amount of carbon emissions that will be produced by world leaders flying across the globe to preach climate action.
Featured image courtesy of Number 10 via Flickr. No changes or alterations were made to this image. Image license can be found here.
Beth Williams
Originally from North Wales, Beth is a third year English and Journalism student at Cardiff University. As well as a contributor, Beth is the editor-in-chief of "Gair Rhydd", her university's newspaper. When she isn't writing, you'll find her reading, cooking or on a (very slow) run.