UK government climate policy criticised in run up to COP26

22 June 2021

Two recent articles in The Times highlight the UK government's abysmal failure to take serious action about climate change, which gains particular significance in the light of the run up to COP26 in November, when the government claims it will be setting an example of good practice to the rest of the world.

One is about the just-published latest progress report from the government-appointed Climate Change Committee.  The report accuses the government of failing to match promises to cut emissions with action, which risks undermining the country’s credibility as host of COP26.  Read more at  Climate Change / COP26 2021 .

The other reports the likely approval of new oil drilling and extraction in the Cambo field off Shetland.  Environmental groups have attacked the approval as sending the wrong signals in the run up to the COP26 climate conference.  Read more  at Energy - Energy news .

It is natural to expect more hostile than approving comments on any view expressed, but it is depressing to note that almost without exception the comments made by readers of both articles are totally hostile to the idea that the dangers of climate change are real, or that any action to combat them by government or the public is necessary, some suggesting that many actions that are taken are prompted by cynical ulterior motives.

In relation to the oil extraction item, in a recent Greenpeace article questions on the theme of 'Can the UK really stop drilling new oil and gas wells?' are answered by a Greenpeace 'expert'.  There are also links to other articles in a similar format - one demanding more action by the Scottish Government in the run up to COP26.