Britain has formalized its commitment to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 81% by 2035 in a submission to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The submission, announced by Climate Minister Ed Miliband, reaffirms the target previously pledged by Prime Minister Keir Starmer at COP29, but it stops short of outlining specific policies or strategies to achieve it.
The document highlights the UK’s existing efforts to reduce emissions but signals that a more detailed, cross-economy climate plan will be released in the near future. This forthcoming strategy will outline sector-specific policies across various industries, giving clarity on how the country intends to meet its ambitious 2035 goal.
While the submission doesn’t introduce new policies, it represents a significant step in the UK’s climate leadership. UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Stiell commended Britain’s bold approach, urging G20 nations and others to follow suit: “The UK’s new climate plan means it is even better positioned to benefit from the growing climate action movement. Other nations should not miss this opportunity.”
This submission comes at a crucial moment for international climate efforts, particularly following concerns that a potential return of Donald Trump to the White House could undermine global climate commitments. At COP29, the UK’s climate pledge was seen as a rare positive amid global uncertainty.
Looking ahead, Britain is expected to release its full climate strategy in the coming months, which will provide a detailed roadmap to reduce emissions and achieve the 81% target.
