In a significant call to action, over 400 climate change experts have released an open letter addressed to the leaders of the UK’s political parties. The letter urges these leaders to adopt an ambitious climate policy framework if they are successful in the upcoming General Election on July 4.
The Open Letter Demands
The letter, signed by 408 researchers from various UK institutions, emphasizes the urgent need for the UK to take decisive action. It states: “We call on you to pledge to an ambitious programme of climate policies that accelerate action, in the UK and across the world, both to cut greenhouse gas emissions and to increase resilience to those impacts of climate change that cannot now be avoided. Without such a programme, the UK will be shirking its international responsibilities and losing the opportunity to promote prosperity and peace both domestically and globally.”
The letter concludes with a strong statement: “Without such a pledge, we do not believe that your Party deserves support in the forthcoming General Election.”
Signatories and Their Credentials
The signatories include a diverse group of experts, with 215 current and emeritus professors, along with 36 Fellows from national academies (FRS, FREng, FBA, FMedSci). Importantly, a significant majority of these signatories are eligible voters in the upcoming election.
Five Key Actions for Climate Action
To achieve the ambitious climate goals, the letter outlines five essential actions that should be incorporated into any proposed climate programme:
- Implement a Legal Strategy for Emissions Reduction
Develop and enforce a credible strategy to end the UK’s contribution to climate change by adhering to its statutory Carbon Budgets and the target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. - Enhance Climate Resilience
Accelerate efforts across all sectors and regions in the UK to adapt and build resilience against climate impacts that are now unavoidable, in line with UK Climate Change Risk Assessments. - Adhere to Expert Recommendations
Follow the independent Climate Change Committee’s guidance, particularly its warning regarding the continued need for oil and gas until net-zero is achieved, and the caution against developing new North Sea fields. - Demonstrate International Leadership
Take a leadership role globally on climate change, especially by implementing decisions from COP28 in Dubai in December 2023, focusing on transitioning away from fossil fuels in a just and equitable manner to meet net-zero goals by 2050. - Support Climate Action in Developing Countries
Increase both public and private funding for climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts in developing nations.
The Urgency of Action
The letter highlights the pressing nature of climate change, noting that failure to act urgently is making the UK and the world increasingly insecure. The UK is already experiencing significant damage from climate impacts, including more frequent and intense extreme weather events and rising sea levels.
Additionally, the letter points out that climate change is jeopardizing global supply chains for essential goods and services in the UK, contributing to political instability, and prompting migration from severely affected regions. Thus, it is in the UK’s best interest to help other nations achieve net-zero emissions swiftly.
Organizational Support
The letter was coordinated by Professor Emily Shuckburgh, Director of Cambridge Zero at the University of Cambridge, and Bob Ward, Policy and Communications Director at the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at the London School of Economics.
Expert Opinions
Professor Shuckburgh expressed her concerns, stating: “The UK has just experienced by far the warmest May on record, despite the weather seeming miserable. Climate change puts a dark cloud over all our futures. With ambitious political leadership, we could protect ourselves and avert the worst impacts of climate change, while fostering job creation and stimulating innovation.”
Mr. Ward echoed this sentiment, highlighting the letter’s bipartisan nature and the urgent need for party leaders to acknowledge the pervasive effects of climate change on lives and livelihoods in the UK. He emphasized that transitioning to a sustainable, inclusive economy is essential for national security and resilience.
Conclusion
As the General Election approaches, the call from these experts is a timely reminder of the need for comprehensive climate action. The UK’s future prosperity and global leadership in tackling climate change depend on the commitments made by its political leaders.