British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak [Photo credit: BBC News]
The war in Ukraine is an explanation for why to act faster to combat climate change, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said at the UN climate summit COP27.
“Climate and energy security go hand in hand,” he said in his first appearance since taking office.
Leaders from 120 countries gather in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, to discuss next steps in the fight against climate change.
The key issues are reimbursement and for the most affected countries.
“Putin’s atrocious war in Ukraine and emerging energy costs around the world do not explain why to slow climate change. They are an explanation for why we act faster,” Mr. Sunak said.
“We can leave our young people a greener planet and a more filthy rich future. . . There is room for hope,” he added.
In a series of speeches, the leaders suggested that rich countries stay the course to further prevent climate change, despite the war in Ukraine and global financial woes.
Nations on the front lines of climate updates have exposed the far-reaching effects of rising temperatures, drought and flooding on other people and the environment.
“We are on the road to hell with our foot on the accelerator,” U. N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said at the summit.
His stern warning was repeated by the former U. S. vice president. U. S. and environmentalist Al Gore, who said nations will have to “stop weakening the culture of death” of fossil fuels.
In a forceful speech, French President Emmanuel Macron suggested world leaders weather justice.
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is also in Egypt and said countries don’t “get weak and wavering” when it comes to climate action.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said switching to renewables is “a security policy imperative,” while Italy’s new prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, said her country remained “firmly committed” to its climate goals.
US President Joe Biden is due to arrive at the summit on Friday, while John Kerry, his special envoy for climate, is already present.
Although Swedish activist Greta Thunberg stays away from the summit, after accusing the UN of “greenwashing”, many young activists are in Sharm el-Sheikh.