climate change – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

FROM STEM TO THE SEA: Scottish charities benefit from share of £1.2m Scottishpower Foundation fund

Seven Scottish charities are set to receive a share of funding pot of over £1.2 million from the ScottishPower Foundation.

From environmental conservation to helping to provide education and opportunities to those in need, the projects, along with thirteen other charities in England and Wales, will receive a funding boost to empower them to continue to support the local environment and the communities they serve.

Aberdeen Science Centre’s ‘Sustainable Superstars’ is set to benefit from funding. The soon-to-launch project is designed to make learning accessible and enjoyable for all to inspire a lifelong passion for science.

The new ‘Sustainable Superstars Roadshow’ will take interactive climate change lessons to 30,000 people in communities across North East Scotland within some of the most deprived Scottish neighbourhoods.

Exploring topics like sustainable travel, fashion and food as well as carbon emissions, the project seeks to inspire children and adults to embrace innovation for a greener future.

Bryan Snelling, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Science Centre, said: “As a STEM education charity that aims to inspire the next generation and instil a lifelong interest in science, we are always looking for fresh and creative ways to reach our audiences.

“We are very grateful to the ScottishPower Foundation for this funding, with our team busy developing activities for our new ‘Sustainable Superstars Roadshow’, which will help to educate and inform participants.”

Melanie Hill, Executive Officer and Trustee at the ScottishPower Foundation, said: “Aberdeen Science Centre’s ‘Sustainable Superstars Roadshow’ is an excellent community-based project that will inspire the next generation of STEM experts, helping pupils in the north east to get a better understanding of how each and every one of us can make a difference to our global climate challenges.

We’re always looking to back organisations we feel will drive positive and lasting change across the UK and believe this year’s funded projects play a crucial role within our society – tackling some of the toughest challenges faced by communities across the country. We’re inspired by volunteers and charity workers doing incredible things in these communities and we can’t wait to see the extraordinary things they achieve this year.”

Another project receiving a share of the funding is Camphill Blair Drummond, an organisation providing residential places and day service activities for adults with learning disabilities. The ScottishPower Foundation’s funding will support the renovation of its media studio to create a new space for filmmaking and recording with advanced equipment.

By equipping individuals with the skills required for potential employment or further study, the project hopes to foster confidence and creativity within the community. Additionally, the project plans to expand its learning disability film festival, celebrating diversity through the arts and giving a voice to the learning disability community within Scotland and beyond.

On the Isle of Mull, The Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust has been a pioneering force for the conservation of whales, dolphins, and porpoises in western Scotland for the past three decades.

The Trust will receive funding from the ScottishPower Foundation to support its latest initiative, Hebridean Marine Explorers: Connecting Scotland’s Seas and Communities.

Developed to inspire young people and local communities through unique outdoor education experiences and innovative co-design approach, the project comes complete with “floating classrooms” aboard the research yacht, Silurian.

The programme offers truly unique and immersive educational workshops where students can learn about marine life, conduct self-led research, and develop solutions to local environmental issues.

Additionally, a series of digital lessons will extend the project’s reach, fostering ocean literacy across Scotland and engaging a wider audience in marine conservation efforts.

Since 2013 the ScottishPower Foundation has donated over £15 million to more than 250 projects supporting people, communities and the environment. This year’s funding of over £1.2 million, aims to bolster projects focused on education, training, climate action, the arts and social initiatives that will make a real impact in their communities.

A full list of the 2025 ScottishPower Foundation funded projects are:

British-built satellite to map Earth’s forests in 3D for the first time

A satellite developed by British academics and engineers is set to become the first in the world to measure the condition of the Earth’s forests in 3D from space

The European Space Agency (ESA) Biomass Earth observation mission, which launched successfully from Europe’s spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana yesterday, aims to enhance our understanding of the world’s forests and their role in the carbon cycle.

The mission will use state-of-the-art radar technology to uncover new insights into forests, including their size and weight, and areas of deforestation.

This work will be crucial to helping us understand how tropical forests are changing and provide critical data to understand the carbon cycle and help develop climate strategies.

Biomass taking to the skies on 29 April 2025. Credit: ESA-CNES-ARIANESPACE/Optique vidéo du CSG–S. Martin

The concept was conceived in Yorkshire, at the University of Sheffield by Professor Shaun Quegan, working with the National Centre for Earth Observation in Leicester. Other academics from the University of Edinburgh and UCL have brought modelling and data assimilation expertise to the application of Biomass data.

Since 2016 the UK has won almost £77 million in contracts for Biomass through its membership of ESA.

Minister for Space Sir Chris Bryant said: “The Biomass mission showcases British ingenuity at its very best, from conception in Sheffield to construction in Stevenage.

“Britain is not only stepping to the forefront of the space industry, but of global climate action too.

“Contributing to such great extent to a European mission set to deliver vital global results is testament to the UK’s industrial and academic expertise in space technology and will attract global investment into our vibrant space ecosystem, helping us boost growth and deliver our Plan for Change.”

Biomass was built by Airbus in Stevenage, UK. Credit: Airbus.

Shaun Quegan, University of Sheffield’s Professor and lead proposer of the mission concept to the European Space Agency, said: “It’s been a privilege to have led the team in the development of a pioneering mission that will revolutionise our understanding of the volume of carbon held in the most impenetrable tropical rainforests on the planet and, crucially, how this is changing over time.

“Our research has solved critical operational scientific problems in constructing the Biomass satellite.”

Conceived and built in the UK, Biomass is a brilliant example of what we can achieve in collaboration with our partners in industry and academia. The mission is the culmination of decades of highly innovative work in partnership with some of the best scientists in Europe and the US.

Airbus UK is the Prime Contractor and has manufactured the satellite in Stevenage. Throughout construction, it has supported approximately 250 highly skilled jobs, benefitting the local economy and bolstering the UK’s 52,000-strong space workforce.

Kata Escott, Managing Director of Airbus Defence and Space in the UK, said: “Biomass is a groundbreaking mission that will advance our understanding of how carbon is stored in the world’s forests – delivering crucial data in the fight against climate change.

“With more than 50 companies involved across 20 nations, the team in Stevenage has shown exceptional leadership in delivering this flagship ESA mission.”

Many other businesses in the UK supply chain have contributed, including ABSL in Abingdon, which has provided the battery, European Astrotech UK in Westcott, which has provided test services, and Nammo, in Cheltenham, providing the service valves.

Its revolutionary technology will help scientists capture vital data on the changes to carbon in forests as ecosystems are increasingly impacted by deforestation. The satellite will create a 3D map of tropical forests after 17 months, then new (non-3D) maps every 9 months for the rest of the 5-year mission, providing insights normally hidden from human sight because of the difficulty in accessing these environments.

Both deforestation, which releases carbon dioxide, and forest growth, which soaks up CO2 from the atmosphere, are crucial parts of climate change.

Data on the biomass of tropical forests is very limited because they are difficult to access.

The Biomass satellite will be able to penetrate cloud cover and measure forest biomass more accurately than any current technology, which only see the top of the canopy. By providing better data it will help create a more accurate global carbon budget and better understanding of carbon sinks and sources which will help in developing and implementing effective strategies to achieve net-zero goals.

Observations will also lead to better insight into the rates of habitat loss and, as a result, the effect this may have on biodiversity in the forest environment.

Dr Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, said: “The Biomass satellite represents a major leap forward in our ability to understand Earth’s carbon cycle.

“By mapping the world’s forests from space in unprecedented detail, it will provide critical insights into how our planet is responding to climate change — helping scientists, policymakers, and conservationists take informed action.

“We’re proud of the leading role the UK has played in this important mission.”

Plans to protect Edinburgh from climate effects

EDINBURGH PLANS TO GET CLIMATE-READY

Detailed plans have been produced outlining 66 steps the council and partners must take to get ‘climate ready’.

Our Climate Ready Edinburgh Implementation Plan, published on Friday (28 February), will be considered by members of the Policy and Sustainability Committee on Tuesday 11 March.

Over the next two years, it is proposed that all actions in the plan are implemented to help Edinburgh adapt to the impacts of climate change.

This could include working with partners to tackle the risks of flooding and coastal erosion and protecting the World Heritage Site, to planting trees and exploring transport systems to make the city resilient against weather extremes.

It is hoped this work will help to protect homes from flooding and overheating, safeguard our buildings and support new climate skills and jobs, while increasing the resilience of our ancient city against the future risks of climate change.

Some of the proposed steps to implement our Climate Ready Edinburgh Plan 2024-2030 include:

Identifying trigger points and action needed to prepare for weather extremes
Making Edinburgh a Million Tree City by planting 25,000 new trees a year
Prioritising street tree planting in areas prone to flooding and overheating
Increasing the tree canopy from 17% to 20% of the whole city by 2045
Establishing a Wilding Wee Spaces Schools programme
Undertaking a flood study to determine the long-term management of existing defences along the coast
Completing a surface water flood management project with Scottish Water in Craigleith by 2026
Delivery of new small-scale adaptation and energy retrofit pilot projects in the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site by 2026
Monitoring issues of damp in Council housing, addressing most at risk properties
Working with providers to increase the resilience of Edinburgh’s transport systems.

Council Leader, Jane Meagher, said: “With architecture spanning 1,000 years and two World Heritage Sites, more trees than any other Capital city and a vast coastline, there is no question that Edinburgh’s natural and built environment is unique. Our Climate Ready plan has been designed to protect and enhance the place we are lucky enough to call home.

“Recent events have been a stark reminder of how disruptive weather can be to our city and to property. As such, we need to focus our efforts on adapting and preparing for such risks.

“Where we face issues of flooding and dampness, it disproportionately affects disadvantaged households. Where buildings suffer from poor energy efficiency, this brings up the cost of bills.

“It is to this end that climate change goes hand in hand with poverty as the biggest challenge we face, and we cannot tackle one without the other.

“With our businesses at risk as much as our homes, there is also a clear economic case for getting our capital ‘climate ready’. This report makes it clear that this work will require significant investment, but the costs of failing to prepare are higher.

“That is what has driven us to pledge an additional £2.9m to address our climate and nature emergencies in the budget we set last week. It is also why we have invested £500,000 into protecting our coastline with the successful introduction of new groynes at Portobello Beach.

“If approved next month by Committee, this detailed 66-step plan will further guide us and partners to become a ‘climate ready’ capital. Climate change is a major threat to our health and that of our ancient, coastal city and it is crucial that we work with partners to protect it.”

Gordon Reid, Scottish Water and chair of the Edinburgh Adapts Partnership that developed the plan, said: “We are already seeing the impacts of a changing climate in Edinburgh, with more frequent severe storms causing flooding, damage to buildings and disruption to travel.

“If we don’t take action then we will see greater impacts to the people, buildings, economy and the services we all rely on in the city. Many of these impacts disproportionately effect disadvantaged households and we need to ensure that we act to deliver adaptation for everyone in society as part of the just transition to a climate changed future.

“In addition, we need to act to address the nature emergency and many of the actions in the plan will address adaption and nature, delivering multiple benefits for the city.”

Yann Grandgirard, Head of Climate Change at Edinburgh World Heritage and member of the Edinburgh Adaptation and Nature Partnership, said: “Climate change is one of the biggest threats to the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site, affecting its integrity, and undermining our efforts to preserve it and share its cultural values with current and future generations.

“Climate change impacts are diverse and not limited to physical damages to our historic buildings, streets and green spaces. They also affect our experience of this special part of the city – a vibrant place where people live, work, study and visit.

“The finalisation of the Edinburgh Climate Ready implementation plan is an important step in providing the necessary framework to protect and enhance both the World Heritage Site and the city through sensitive adaptation actions. It will act as a critical tool to prioritise climate actions, attract much needed funding and support partnerships across the city.”

Animals in cities are adapting to climate change, research shows

A new study indicates animal populations living in urban areas show elevated resilience to stressful environmental conditions, with conservation implications.

Published last week in Ecology Letters, the study was conducted by Queen’s University Belfast in collaboration with the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Germany.

Researchers tested the adaptability of aquatic species, such as blue mussel and amphipods, found in shorelines in urban environments exposed to high ship traffic, compared with those from a remote protected shore.

An urban area can be described as a human settlement with a high population density and an infrastructure of built environment.

The team exposed the animals from both habitat types to a range of environmental stressors under laboratory conditions.

The treatments, which were events or situations that cause stress, reflected current and predicted environmental conditions in the sea, such as rising temperatures, saltwater changes and increased carbon dioxide.

The research showed animal populations from urban areas, with higher temperatures and greater concentrations of pollutants, demonstrated significantly higher resilience to stressful environmental conditions when compared to their counterparts from protected habitats.

Dr Ross Cuthbert from the School of Biological Sciences at Queen’s, was part of the international team of researchers, he said: “Our findings indicate that the populations of species differ substantially in their susceptibility to stressors associated with urbanisation.

“These results have important conservation implications, however, it remains to be seen whether these adaptations can keep pace with the rate of human-induced environmental changes relating to climate change such as pollution, burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and more.”

Urban habitats are very different from natural habitats and pose new challenges for animals and plants.

The research was led by Dr Elizabeta Briski, a marine biologist at the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, she said: “The results show that populations from urbanised habitats tend to be more robust to these environmental stressors and, are already adapting to changing conditions.

“These populations could serve as potential ‘rescue populations’ for endangered populations. At the same time, their greater tolerance to future environmental changes could make it easier for them to conquer new habitats. This makes them potential invasive species that can be spread by human trade and transport between urban centres.”

Dr Cuthbert adds: “Until now, little was known about how populations of the same species evolve in habitats with and without human influence.

“While the tested species do not directly affect human health, if the processes found indeed worsen invasion risks in general, they could exacerbate known health risks from biological invasions, such as through spread of disease.”

The results of the study support the hypothesis that urban habitats can provide important clues about how animals will adapt to future environmental changes.

SGN partners with Generation Science to inspire next generation on renewable energy

SGN has teamed up with Generation Science, an innovative educational programme led by Edinburgh Science, to empower primary school children with insights into future energy solutions and how we can tackle climate change.

The leading energy company is delivering LTS Futures – a first of its kind project – which aims to validate the compatibility of utilising the existing gas network to carry hydrogen.

The success of the project, which is repurposing a 30km decommissioned natural gas pipeline between Grangemouth and Granton, would pave the way for hydrogen transportation on a national scale.

Thanks to a second year of funding provided by SGN, around 380 pupils aged 7 to 11 (primary 4 to 7), who attend schools based along the LTS live trial pipeline, are benefiting from the 90-minute climate and engineering themed sessions.

The Green Machine is an interactive workshop dedicated to unravelling the complexities of energy transfer and renewable electricity generation.

Guided by the Edinburgh Science team of experts, students delve into lessons to refine their understanding and create innovative machine designs.

Recently SGN’s LTS Futures Project Director Nancy Thomson joined the Generation Science team at Granton Primary School, to participate in a session which explored future energy solutions for the Earth’s changing climate.

It looked at different sources of renewable and sustainable energy such as solar, wind and green hydrogen, and how we can utilise them to live in an environmentally responsible way.

Natalie McLaren, Principal Teacher at Granton Primary School, shared her thoughts on the workshop: “I’m thrilled that SGN and Generation Science chose to visit our school – the kids were so enthusiastic and engaged.

“Our pupils responded really positively to the hands-on workshop, and are all using key vocabulary and terms for the energy industry. It got them really thinking about how to conserve energy at home and making a difference.”

Director and CEO at Edinburgh Science, Hassun El-Zafar said: “After an incredibly successful partnership last year, we’re delighted to have once again receive support from SGN for this year’s Generation Science tour.

“Generation Science is our touring programme that brings high quality interactive science experiences into primary schools across Scotland – no matter where the school is based, pupils can enjoy the exact same experience.

“SGN is the perfect supporter for this project, as they share our drive to inspire the next generation of engineers and champion the importance of sustainable sources of energy for our homes.

“Thanks to their generous support, we are able to bring The Green Machine workshop to schools in Granton and Grangemouth.”

SGN – LTS Futures – Education Programme – Granton Primary School – Edinburgh. Picture Shows; Children from Granton Primary School during the Energy educational workshop run by Edinburgh Science and SGN, Thursday 06 February 2025. © Stuart Nicol Photography 2025

First Minister opens Scotland’s first hydrogen homes

New demonstration homes showcase hydrogen appliances which enable households to cook and heat their homes without any carbon emissions
Homes are part of H100 Fife, a world-first green energy project which will see hundreds of households switch from natural gas to hydrogen
Local residents taking part in project can get hands-on experience ahead of appliances being installed in their own homes later this year
Opening marks a major milestone for H100 Fife and Scotland’s net zero ambitions

The First Minister John Swinney has hailed the opening of Scotland’s first hydrogen homes as a ‘shining example’ of how the country is leading the way in solutions to tackle climate change.

The homes are part of gas network company SGN’s H100 Fife project and showcase the potential for hydrogen to reduce carbon emissions in households and businesses across Scotland and the UK.

Located in Levenmouth on Fife’s east coast, the demonstration homes showcase how hydrogen can provide heating and cooking experiences very similar to natural gas. Familiar appliances like gas boilers and hobs are installed in the homes delivering the instant and responsive heat customers are used to, but with zero carbon emissions.

H100 Fife is a world-first green hydrogen project which will see up to 300 households switch to hydrogen for cooking and heating. Residents involved in the trial can now visit the demonstration homes to get hands-on experience ahead of appliances being installed in their own homes later this year.

The First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney, opened the homes alongside SGN’s CEO Simon Kilonback and members of the community.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the project, First Minister John Swinney said: “Scotland’s net zero future depends on our ability to create innovative solutions to tackle climate change; and the H100 Fife project is a shining example of this ambition.

“These demonstration homes offer residents a glimpse of the role that hydrogen can play in delivering warm and comfortable homes with zero carbon emissions.

“I welcome this significant milestone in the project’s journey and look forward to its completion.”

Residents who have signed up for the project and those who live locally¹ can visit the homes to see hydrogen boilers and hobs from leading manufacturers Baxi, Worcester Bosch, and Bosch Home Appliances. These are the appliances that will be installed in their own homes later this year.

SGN’s CEO Simon Kilonback said: “SGN is incredibly proud to mark this important milestone for green energy in Scotland with the First Minister. We are working in partnership with the local community and look forward to welcoming them to our demonstration homes.

“We believe H100 Fife can act as a catalyst for regional decarbonisation, positioning Scotland at the forefront of the transition to net zero.

“However, this project is also far more than just a hydrogen for home heating trial and will provide key evidence to support the development of the hydrogen economy, whether that be production, storage, distribution or operations.”

SGN is partnering with Fife College to open the UK’s first hydrogen training facility in the coming months, located just a mile away from the H100 Fife network in the college’s Levenmouth campus.

Existing Gas Safe engineers in the region will be upskilled at the facility on how to fit new hydrogen appliances and connect homes taking part in H100 Fife to the new 8.4km hydrogen network which was completed last year.

During the event, the street on which the newly constructed homes are built was officially named ‘Newhaven Street’² by students from local school Denbeath Primary, highlighting historic links to nearby Methil docks.

Reuse, don’t Waste

EDINBURGH COMMUNITIES CLIMATE ACTION NETWORK

YOUR ACTIONS MATTER

Did you know reusing everyday items can save money, reduce waste and help tackle climate change? Here are some easy tips to try today:

• Glass Jars: Perfect for storage, candle holders, or even flower vases.
• Old Clothes: Turn them into cleaning rags, pet bedding, or fun tote bags.
• Tin Cans: Make herb planters, pencil holders, or night lights.
• Plastic Containers: Great for leftovers, organising toys, or planting seeds.

Every small step helps make a big impact!

#EdinburghIsChanging |

Scotland ‘driving progress on global climate financing’

Investment to support just resilience projects

Communities which are most at risk from the impacts of climate change will benefit from Scottish Government funding which will support them to prepare for climate changes ahead.

The Scottish Government will provide £40,000 to Regions4 to deliver a project focused on the emerging area of ‘just resilience’.

The term broadly refers to actions which prepare countries and regions for the known impacts of climate change – whilst recognising that those least responsible for climate change are often most impacted by it.

The project will help create a standardised definition of the term and identify examples of best practice – to help countries in global south access funding to prepare for the impacts of climate change, such as flooding, fire and disease. It will also assess bids from communities within Regions4 partner regions and match relevant projects with suitable funding.

The Scottish Government will also provide £200,000 to help develop cholera vaccine testing in Malawi and Zambia.

These countries have been experiencing a surge of cases brought about by the impacts of climate change. This funding builds on the Scottish Government’s existing partnerships with both countries, and will strengthen local capacity for vaccine testing, distribution and delivery.

Acting Net Zero Secretary Gillian Martin said: “Climate justice is at the heart of COP29 – and the Scottish Government is working to ensure that it supports and champions the voice of communities from the global south.

“Just Resilience has the potential to make a significant impact upon the lives of those most affected by climate change and this project represents a rare opportunity for the Scottish Government to lead on an emerging field of climate action in a way that is in line with our climate justice principles.

“By supporting the development of a globally recognised definition of just resilience, as well as identifying examples of best practice – countries and regions will be able to better identify opportunities for funding and support.

“Ensuring that everyone has access to safe and effective vaccines is also critical – as cases of diseases such as cholera become more prevalent as a direct consequence of climate change.

“These two projects are the latest examples of our work as a good global citizen and further developing the resilience of countries in the global south against the impacts of climate change.”

Speaking about the Just Resilience fund, Regions4 Secretary General, Natalia Uribe said: “Scotland’s contribution to the Just Resilience Project shows an invaluable commitment to advancing climate and biodiversity action that is both fair and inclusive.

“This support allows Regions4 to bring the concept of Just Resilience to life by capturing and sharing transformative actions from subnational governments in the Global South.

“By establishing frameworks, sharing best practices, and fostering collaboration, we are building the capacity of local governments to implement resilient solutions that prioritize the needs of communities most vulnerable to climate impacts.

“Together, we are working to empower these communities, ensuring that they are equipped to face climate challenges and have a central role in protecting our shared future.”

More information on vaccine testing: Global health – International development – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

UK ‘shows international leadership in tackling climate crisis’

UK government announces new climate goals at COP29, including reducing emissions by 81% by 2035, as Prime Minister calls on other countries to bring forward ambitious targets

New UK target to reduce emissions by 81% by 2035 at COP29 in Azerbaijan
targets support government’s clean energy superpower mission to give Britain more security, deliver jobs and economic growth
Prime Minister calls for others to come forward with ambitious targets

Tackling the climate crisis is essential to our national energy security, economic growth, and our efforts to protect current and future generations, the UK government said as it unveils the UK’s new climate goals at the COP29 Summit in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Yesterday’s announcement will strengthen the UK’s position as a place for investment in the technologies and jobs that are driving growth across the world.

There are 640,000 green jobs in the UK, growing at a rate 4 times faster than overall UK employment.

To support the industry the government has announced a significant investment programme in homegrown British energy – including renewables, carbon capture and storage, nuclear and hydrogen.

The UK’s reliance on fossil fuels has also been felt by every family and business in the last few years with the worst cost of living crisis in memory, driven by energy price spikes from international gas markets.

That’s why the government’s mission is to tackle the climate crisis in a way that makes the British people better off by investing in clean homegrown power and unlocking thousands of jobs, having already seen £34.8 billion of private investment into the UK’s clean energy industries since July.

This ambitious and pragmatic new target supports the UK’s mission for growth, helping to attract further investment and jobs in low carbon technologies such as solar and wind, electric vehicles and batteries.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “The only way to protect current generations is by making Britain a clean energy superpower, and the only way to protect future generations is by tackling the climate crisis.

“Britain is back in the business of climate leadership, with an ambitious new target that will protect our environment, deliver energy security and restore our global climate reputation.

“We will cut emissions across the country, delivering for our environment and ending our exposure to spiking fossil fuel markets.”

This ambitious and pragmatic new target – in line with the recommendation from the Climate Change Committee and previously legislated and legally-binding Carbon Budgets for the same period.

The target forms what is called the UK’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC): commitments that countries make to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate climate change. It is aligned to 1.5C.

The UK has called for other countries to match the UK’s ambition to address the urgency of climate change, following stark warnings from the United Nations that the world is way off track to limit global temperature rises to 1.5C.

Since July the government has:

lifted the ban on onshore wind in England
delivered a record number of clean energy projects through its renewables auction
consented unprecedented amounts of nationally significant solar – 2GW – more than the last 14 years combined
launched Great British Energy backed by £8.3 billion to speed up the deployment of clean technologies
fired the starting gun on the UK’s carbon capture, usage and storage industry, with funding agreed for 2 clusters in Teesside and the North West

Globally, the costs of renewables continue to fall, with solar and wind now cheaper than existing coal and gas power plants in most of the world.

Recent analysis from the International Energy Agency found that in 2023 for every $1 spent on fossil fuels, $1.7 was spent on clean energy. Global energy investment is set to be over $3 trillion in 2024, with $2 trillion of this on clean energy technologies and infrastructure.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s National Statement at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan yesterday:

The United Kingdom is determined to stand alongside those countries on the frontline of the climate crisis today…

And to seize the opportunities of tomorrow.

Because action on climate now is the route towards economic growth…

Energy security…

Better jobs….

And national security in the long term.

To deliver on the Paris Agreement…

And keep 1.5 degrees within reach.

In the first 100 days of my government…

We launched Great British Energy – to create clean British power…

We created a National Wealth Fund – to invest in the green industries and jobs of the future…

We scrapped the ban on onshore wind…

Committed to no new North Sea oil and gas licences….

And closed the UK’s final coal power plant at the end of September – becoming the first G7 economy to phase out coal power.

In line with the international agreement at COP28 to transition from fossil fuels…

and the UK’s ambitious goal to be the first major economy to deliver clean power by 2030.

Today I can confirm – three months ahead of deadline…

The UK’s 2035 international target –

Our nationally determined contribution –

to reduce all greenhouse gas emissions by at least 81% on 1990 levels….

Aligned with 1.5 degrees.

And we urge all Parties –

To come forward with ambitious targets of their own…

As we all agreed at the last COP.

We will work in partnership…

to support other countries to develop their own commitments…

And transition through our forthcoming Global Clean Power Alliance –

And finance will be its first focus.

We will honour the commitment made by the previous government…

to provide £11.6 billion in of climate finance between April 2021 and March 2026….

But we must use public finance as a multiplier…

To unlock much more private investment…

And reform our international financial institutions.

Today we launch the new CIF Capital Market Mechanism, listed on the London Stock Exchange…

With the potential to mobilise up to $75 billion…

in additional climate capital for developing countries over the next decade.

Putting the UK’s role as a global financial centre…

at the service of driving the green finance and green energy transitions.

Climate action is at the heart of this government’s mission for the protection and prosperity of Britain and the world.

Writ large across our domestic and international priorities…

We are taking the urgent action needed – to protect our planet and its people.

A satellite developed by British academics and engineers is set to become the first in the world to measure the condition of the Earth’s forests in 3D from space

Edinburgh Is Changing—What’s Your Story?

Investment to support just resilience projects

UK government announces new climate goals at COP29, including reducing emissions by 81% by 2035, as Prime Minister calls on other countries to bring forward ambitious targets

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s National Statement at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan yesterday: