UK Reaffirms Commitment to Global Climate Action at COP29 with Increased Support for Developing Countries
The UK government has pledged significant new funding and strategic partnerships to help developing countries combat climate change and build a greener future. These announcements were made on 12 November 2024, as the UK Foreign Secretary took to the stage at COP29 in Baku, where he underscored the country’s commitment to leading global efforts in tackling the climate and nature crises
In a series of high-level meetings and bilateral discussions with leaders from countries such as Colombia, Kuwait, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Foreign Secretary called for urgent international cooperation to address environmental degradation and its disproportionate impact on vulnerable nations
Strengthening Forest Protection and Indigenous Rights
One of the key elements of the UK’s pledges at COP29 was the announcement of a new initiative aimed at supporting forest tenure rights for indigenous and local communities across the Amazon Basin, recognizing the vital role these communities play in preserving crucial forest ecosystems. As part of this initiative, the UK committed £9.1 million to assist local scientists working to protect the Congo Basin, which houses the world’s largest tropical peatlands—an essential carbon sink in the fight against climate change
In addition to this, the UK allocated £100 million to British International Investment’s (BII) new Mobilisation Facility. This fund is designed to leverage up to £500 million in private capital to help developing countries accelerate their transition to net zero. The UK government emphasized that such private capital mobilization would be essential in meeting the ambitious climate goals outlined in the Paris Agreement, as public finance alone would not be sufficient to address the scale of the global climate crisis
Tackling Deforestation and Illegal Logging
Another major area of focus for the UK is halting and reversing deforestation, which remains a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. To this end, the UK announced a new 10-year investment programme aimed at reducing illegal logging and improving forest management in key regions. This initiative will build on longstanding UK efforts to improve governance in the forestry sector and promote the trade of sustainable forest products
Deforestation was highlighted as one of the most urgent challenges in the fight against climate change. The UK government emphasized that strengthening the governance of forests and targeting illegal activities were key strategies to protect vital carbon storage areas and preserve biodiversity for future generations
Supporting Vulnerable Nations with Adaptation Finance
In addition to its commitment to protect and restore natural ecosystems, the UK has pledged continued financial support to the most climate-vulnerable countries. The UK government confirmed it will honour its £11.6 billion climate finance commitment for the 2021-2025 period, which includes a £3 billion allocation for nature-based solutions, such as forest protection and restoration. As part of this, £1.5 billion will be dedicated specifically to safeguarding and restoring forests across the globe
Moreover, the UK will provide £10 million to the Global Environment Facility’s Special Climate Change Fund, which will help Small Island Developing States (SIDS) build resilience to climate impacts. Another £5.3 million will go towards the Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance facility, ensuring more Pacific nations have the financial protection they need to weather extreme weather events
Mobilising Global Action for a Clean Energy Future
The UK’s climate finance strategy also ties into its broader vision for a Global Clean Power Alliance, a cooperative effort to accelerate the global transition to affordable and clean energy. By working with other nations, the UK aims to support efforts to transition away from fossil fuels and secure a sustainable energy future for all
The UK government identified the climate and nature crisis as the defining challenge of the present era. In response, it announced an increased commitment to protecting and restoring forests, as well as supporting the communities that depend on them. The UK reaffirmed its leadership role in addressing the climate crisis and emphasized its efforts, in collaboration with international partners, to drive clean growth both domestically and globally
Looking Ahead
As COP29 continues, the UK’s announcements reflect a growing commitment to not only reducing emissions but also addressing the structural inequalities that have left many developing nations most vulnerable to climate change. By providing financial support, expertise, and political leadership, the UK is positioning itself as a key player in the global effort to mitigate climate impacts, protect biodiversity, and build a more sustainable, resilient world for future generations
Key Commitments
£9.1million for local scientists in the Congo Basin to protect tropical peatlands
£100million to mobilise up to £500 million in private capital for clean energy transitions
£220million guarantee to the new IFCAP initiative, unlocking $1.2 billion in additional climate finance
£3billion for nature-based climate solutions as part of the UK’s £11.6 billion climate finance commitment
£5.3million for the Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance facility
The UK’s continued leadership in global climate finance signals a renewed determination to meet the urgent demands of the climate crisis and support the countries that are bearing the brunt of its impacts
Malek Chouchi
