UK's Climate U-turn Undermines Africa's Just Transition

The United Kingdom has made a decision that sent shockwaves to the global community. In a disappointing move confirmed through a leaked briefing note to ministers, given to the Foreign Office and seen by the Guardian newspaper, the UK Prime Minister dropped the country's contribution to meeting the global commitment of $100bn (£78.6bn) a year to support developing countries’ fight against climate change. This decision to abandon its pledge of £11.6 billion undermines the UK’s credibility as a leader in climate action and perpetuates the ongoing climate injustice that plagues our world. 

There’s no doubt that the causes of global warming can be traced back to human economic activities, predominantly driven by the affluent nations of the Global North. As a historically industrialised country, the UK bears its fair share of responsibility for the current climate crisis. Dropping its commitment to support developing nations, which have contributed far less to global warming, further exacerbates the existing climate inequalities. It is an act of disregarding historical responsibilities and prioritising short-term gains over long-term global well-being.

Indeed it’s these type of actions that emboldens global south countries like Uganda to pursue a fossil fuel path like the controversial East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) using the pretext that the global north industrialised on the backbone of fossil fuels and are not keen to take responsibility for it or support those willing to avoid this path. So this move only undermines attempts at convincing the world that we don’t need EACOP.

Needless to say, the UK’s decision to withdraw from the global commitment deepens the inequalities between the Global North and the Global South. The poorest countries, with the lowest industrial pollution levels, are the most vulnerable to climate change impacts. By failing to provide financial support, the UK is leaving these nations defenceless in the face of increasing extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and food insecurity. This perpetuates a cycle of poverty and undermines poverty reduction efforts, potentially pushing millions more into destitution by 2030.

At the risk of sounding redundant, we emphasise that Africa risks being locked into a fossil fuel-dependent trajectory, perpetuating environmental degradation and exacerbating global warming without adequate support. This poses a moral quandary as Africa seeks to balance its responsibility towards the planet and the urgent need to uplift its people from poverty. The international community must recognise this dilemma and demonstrate a genuine commitment to achieving the global commitment of $100bn (£78.6bn) a year to support developing countries’ fight against climate change.

Side note: You can also read over 90 UK civil society groups – representing a spectrum of cross-cutting priorities- from climate and nature, humanitarian aid, development, trade unions and disability inclusion, letter to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak demanding that he honour the UK’s climate finance promise of £11.6bn and ensure its delivery as was promised in 2019.