London, November 6 (BNA) British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged to speed up the UK’s transition to renewable energy when he addresses the COP27 United Nations summit on climate change on Monday.
Sunak made a last-minute decision on November 2 to take part in climate talks, backing away from a plan frequently criticized by environmental activists and political opponents for skipping the annual gathering, according to Reuters.
Politicians and business leaders will tell at the event that Britain will work with international allies to speed up its transition to cleaner sources of energy, after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has made the need to do so even more urgent.
“Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the despicable manipulation of energy prices have only reinforced the importance of ending our dependence on fossil fuels,” Sunak said in a statement issued by his office.
“We need to move bigger and faster to transition to renewable energy, and I will ensure that the UK is at the forefront of this global movement.”
Britain hosted the COP26 summit last year in Glasgow and Sunak will urge leaders to stick to the promises they made at the time. He will hold meetings on energy security, green technology and environmental protection, as well as chair a discussion on forests and nature.
Sunak on Friday praised King Charles for his “farsighted leadership” in tackling climate change as the king hosted a reception at Buckingham Palace for international dignitaries, including the special US climate.nvoy John Kerry.
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