COP29 delivered mixed results. Several decisions that should have been made at this COP have been deferred until next year. As a result, progress on mitigation was limited and leaves a huge amount of work to be done before COP30. On adaptation, there was limited progress at a time when greater support and guidance is required.
However, in the face of criticism of the process itself, the CCC recognises that the COP successfully maintained the process of international climate diplomacy, negotiating key agreements on finance and carbon markets.
The UK Government had a strong presence at COP29, sending a clear statement of intent with the announcement of the ambitious but feasible 81% nationally determined contribution (NDC) target. This target (alongside others from Brazil and the UAE) provides early momentum ahead of the formal submissions from all countries next year. That has been supplemented by work on delivery through state and private sector coalitions, focusing on energy storage, methane emissions reduction, and forests.
Professor Piers Forster, interim Chair of the Climate Change Committee said:
“The UK’s target and record of tackling emissions and adapting to climate change provides a powerful example globally – but only if the policies to achieve its’ targets are in place and supporting delivery.
“The UK played a clear role in supporting the best possible outcomes at a challenging time from this COP. There is now the opportunity for the UK to support much wider global climate progress through its experience, expertise, and collaboration.”
Next steps for the UK
The UK can play a significant role in supporting climate progress in the next year, as it did most notably in driving Net Zero targets around the world when it hosted COP26. There are three key areas for the UK:
- Leveraging UK finance sector expertise. The UK is well positioned to support the delivery of the finance goal. With a strong financial services sector, the UK can support the mobilisation of finance.
- Continuing to strengthen delivery coalitions. The UK needs to set out the process to coordinate the UK-led Global Clean Power Alliance to ensure it complements other coalitions on fossil fuel reduction and clean energy.
- Submitting a comprehensive UK NDC. The UK NDC must be formalised in 2025 and include plans on adaptation and finance.
Next steps for the CCC
The Committee’s forthcoming Seventh Carbon Budget advice will set out an updated pathway to Net Zero for the UK and the essential actions needed to meet the UK’s 2030 NDC, new 2035 NDC, and Sixth Carbon Budget.
Building from the UK track record of successfully delivering carbon budgets, the CCC will continue to provide support to other countries and their climate councils in developing similar frameworks.
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