On 14 December we wrote to Rt Hon Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero and Rt Hon Emma Reynolds MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. We recognised the commitments made by the UK at COP30 in Brazil but also demanded further action on net zero. Please do use this letter as a template to contact your own MP or local press.
COP30 – a mixed report – next steps on net zero
Further to our letter to the Prime Minister of 11 November, we are writing to you from WILPF UK (Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom) to reiterate our support for your proactive approach on tackling climate change.
Reports from Brazil indicate that the UK eventually played an important and ultimately a positive role in securing what little progress was achieved:
- The Belem Action Mechanism (BAM), recognising the need for climate finance to facilitate a just transition.
- More money for adaptations to climate breakdown.
- Championing of nature-based solutions, including the UK-Brazil Fertilizers Declaration andthe establishment of the Cali Fund.
- Inclusion of trade within the climate negotiations (but need to end the toxic ISDS system).
The major disappointment, of course, was the failure of COP30 to include a phase-out of fossil fuels in the final statement, although we understand that the UK government was among those calling for this. We are pleased to see the UK government subsequently confirming that no new licences will be issued for oil and gas exploration in the North Sea and consulting on new tax measures for the offshore sector, showing leadership within the G7.
The other disappointment at COP30 was the lack of global support for Brazil’s Tropical Forest Forever Fund, although some progress was made in relation to the Congo Basin region. We welcome the UK government’s commitment to supporting the protection of forests both in the UK and worldwide, while regretting the lack of investment in this fund.
We welcome the UK government’s continuing commitment to achieve net zero by 2050 which will require acceleration of local plans. Nevertheless, we urge the government to take the following actions, without which progress towards net zero cannot be achieved:
- Provide finance to those countries most affected by climate change both for immediate humanitarian needs and for the future of the planet – as grants, not loans, so as not to increase their already substantial levels of debt.
- Give full support to the First International Conference on the Just Transition away from Fossil Fuels, being hosted by Colombia in partnership with The Netherlands in April 2026 and sign the Fossil Fuel Treaty.
- Finally, in preparation for the next COP31 in Turkey, press for a limit on the attendance of fossil fuel companies and their advocates. There should instead be greater participation of civil society, including the voices of indigenous communities within the conference halls – not just outside. Oil-producing countries and companies cannot be allowed to destroy our world for short-term profit.
Yours in peace
