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Saturday, Mar 21, 2026

Keir Starmer to Announce UK’s Ambitious Climate Goal at COP29

UK to Commit to 81% Emissions Reduction by 2035 During Climate Summit
Keir Starmer is set to announce a significant new climate goal for the UK at the COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan this week.

The UK plans to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 81% by 2035 compared to 1990 levels, aligning with the recommendations of the UK's Climate Change Committee.

This ambitious target is part of the UK's 'nationally determined contributions' (NDCs), making it one of the first countries to set such a challenging climate target ahead of the formal deadline next year.

The strategy involves decarbonizing the power sector, expanding offshore wind energy, and investing in carbon capture, storage, and nuclear energy.

The announcement comes amidst global criticism of other countries' NDCs for being inadequate, with some labeled as 'greenwashing.'

Rosie Downes of Friends of the Earth highlights the urgency of climate leadership amid global climate challenges and emphasizes the need for deeper, faster emission cuts.

Delegates at the summit heard calls for robust commitments from the UN climate chief Simon Stiell and the Azerbaijani environment minister Mukhtar Babayev.

COP29, attended by leaders from nearly 200 countries, focuses on climate finance, aiming to make $1 trillion available annually by 2035 for poorer countries to mitigate and adapt to climate impacts.

While the host country, Azerbaijan, claimed progress on trading 'carbon credits,' concerns remain regarding the integrity and effectiveness of such mechanisms.

Critics, including Erika Lennon from the Center for International Environmental Law, warn that without stringent rules, carbon markets risk undermining the goals of the Paris Agreement.
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