Putin's war on Ukraine 'is reason for faster climate action'

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak tells world leaders Britain is keeping its promises on climate action

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak delivers his national statement at the Cop27 summit in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, on Monday. Bloomberg

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak used his speech at the Cop27 summit to say that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war on Ukraine and rising energy prices are reasons to “act faster” on climate change.

Mr Sunak said it was morally right to deliver on promises in tackling climate change, but also economically right, reducing energy dependency and providing new jobs and growth.

At the start of the summit, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said that the world was “on the highway to climate hell with our foot still on the accelerator”.

“We are in the fight of our lives and we are losing, with greenhouse gases still increasing and temperatures still rising," Mr Guterres said.

He said that while the world’s attention is gripped by the war in Ukraine — prompting energy, food and cost of living crises — and other conflicts: “Climate change is on a different timeline and a different scale.”

“It is the defining issue of our age," Mr Guterres said. "It is the central challenge of our century. It is unacceptable, outrageous and self-defeating to put it on the back burner.”

“Today’s crises cannot be an excuse for backsliding or greenwashing.”

MBZ attends Cop27 in Sharm El Sheikh - in pictures

President Sheikh Mohamed attends the Cop27 climate conference at the Sharm El Sheikh International Convention Centre in Egypt. Hamad Al Kaabi / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, right, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, second right. Hamad Al Kaabi / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed addresses Cop27. Hamad Al Kaabi / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed with Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, fourth left. Hamad Al Kaabi / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed delivers a speech during the conference. Hamad Al Kaabi / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed and Mr El Sisi, right. Hamad Al Kaabi / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed, with Mr El Sisi to his right. Hamad Al Kaabi / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Abdullah and Sheikh Mansour. Hamad Al Kaabi / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed. Hamad Al Kaabi / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed, centre, and other dignitaries. Rashed Al Mansoori / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed with Prince Salman bin Hamad, Crown Prince and First Deputy Supreme Commander of Bahrain, and other dignitaries. Rashed Al Mansoori / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed, second left, tours the conference. Rashed Al Mansoori / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Mansour, centre, visits the Bahrain Pavilion. With him is Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change and chairman of Masdar. Rashed Al Mansoori / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed, right. Rashed Al Mansoori / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Mansour, right, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad, private affairs adviser for the Presidential Court. Rashed Al Mansoori / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed with Prince Salman of Bahrain. Rashed Al Mansoori / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed speaks with Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan. Rashed Al Mansoori / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed visits the UAE Pavilion. Rashed Al Mansoori / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed visits the Saudi Arabia Pavilion. Seen with Dr Al Jaber. Rashed Al Mansoori / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Hamad Al Kaabi / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Mansour, Dr Al Jaber and Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad. Hamad Al Kaabi / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed meets with Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the International Monetary Fund. Hamad Al Kaabi / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Nahyan, UAE Minister of State, Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed and Mohamed Al Mazrouei, undersecretary of the Presidential Court. Hamad Al Kaabi / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed meets with President of Israel Isaac Herzog. Hamad Al Kaabi / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed and Macky Sall, president of Senegal. Hamad Al Kaabi / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed visits the Bahrain pavilion with Prince Salman. Rashed Al Mansoori / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed tours the conference with Dr Al Jaber. Rashed Al Mansoori / UAE Presidential Court

The latest round of talks comes amid high geopolitical tensions sparked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, worsening extreme weather and calls for rich nations to provide finance for the loss and damage in poor countries as a result of the climate crisis.

Mr Sunak said the UK was keeping its promises on climate action, which include cutting emissions by 68 per cent by 2030 and £11.6 billion ($13.4bn) for poorer countries to tackle the crisis, including tripling funding for adaptation to £1.5bn.

“Climate security goes hand in hand with energy security," he said in his speech to the leaders' summit.

“Putin’s abhorrent war in Ukraine and rising energy prices across the world are not a reason to go slow on climate change.

World leaders arrive on day two of Cop27 - in pictures

Cop27 delegates arrive in Sharm El Sheikh. AFP

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi shake hands during the Middle East Green Initiative conference, held on the sidelines of the the UN's Cop27 climate summit in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. EPA

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz delivers a speech during the Cop27 summit. AP

Prince Mohammed appears on a projection as he addresses leaders during the second Green Middle East Initiative summit, held on the sidelines of the Cop27 climate conference in Sharm El Sheikh. SPA

French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech at Cop27. AP

Sheikh Mohamed speaks with Jordan's King Abdullah II and Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah at the event. Reuters

A sign illuminates the plenary hall at Cop27. Getty

Sheikh Mansour, centre, visits the Bahrain Pavilion. With him is Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change and chairman of Masdar. Photo: UAE Presidential Court

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni speaks during the Cop27 summit. EPA

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, participated in the second Green Middle East Initiative conference, which began on Monday in Sharm El Sheikh. WAM

A visitor takes a picture at the Ukrainian pavilion during Cop27. Reuters

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, right, hugs French President Emmanuel Macron during a meeting at Cop27. AP

Sheikh Mohamed with Mr Sunak. Photo: UAE Presidential Court

A member of the Amazon indigenous delegation attends the event. EPA

Sheikh Mohamed meets Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the International Monetary Fund. Photo: UAE Presidential Court

Former British prime minister Boris Johnson poses for a selfie at the event in Sharm El Sheikh. EPA

Mr Johnson poses for a selfie at the event. EPA

Mr Sunak addresses delegates at the Cop27 summit. AP

Sheikh Mohamed meets Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Photo: UAE Presidential Court

Mr Herzog delivers a speech at the summit. AFP

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed addresses the UN's Cop27 climate summit in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Photo: UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed attends the Cop27 summit. Photo: UAE Presidential Court

Al Gore, chairman of Generation Investment Management, speaks at the climate conference. Bloomberg

Mr El Sisi speaks during the plenary session at Cop27. Bloomberg

Sheikh Mohamed with Mr El Sisi. Photo: UAE Presidential Court

Delegates attend a session at Cop27. Bloomberg

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres speaks at Cop27. Getty

Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad greets King Abdullah II of Jordan during a photo session at Cop27. Bloomberg

Mr Johnson at Cop27. AP

Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson writes down his contact details for Mr Sunak during the Cop27 climate conference. Getty

President Sheikh Mohamed greets Simon Stiell, executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, at the event. Getty

President Sheikh Mohamed, Jordan's King Abdullah II, Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad, Mr El Sisi, Mr Guterres, Mr Macron, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati and other leaders pose for a family photo during the Cop27 climate summit in Sharm El Sheikh. Reuters

Sheikh Mohamed and King Abdullah in Sharm El Sheikh. Reuters

Mr Scholz boards a government plane to travel to Egypt for the Cop27 summit. AP

Sheikh Mohamed with other dignitaries. Photo: UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed with Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad and other dignitaries. Photo: UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed tours the conference with Dr Al Jaber. Photo: UAE Presidential Court

From left, Mr El Sisi, Ms Meloni and Mr Guterres pose for photographs at the start of Cop27. EPA

Mr Sunak meets European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during the Cop27 summit. PA

US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry, right, at the Cop27 summit in Sharm El Sheikh. AP

Mr Macron meets young Africans on the sidelines of Cop27. AFP

The French president listens to young conference-goers speak at the event. AFP

The Green Zone at Cop27. Fatima Al Mahmoud / The National

The Green Zone aims to promote dialogue, awareness, education and commitments through events, exhibitions, workshops and talks. Fatima Al Mahmoud / The National

It is dotted with life-size art installations, including a large panda made from recycled materials such as pieces of glass and plastic bottles. Fatima Al Mahmoud / The National

The Green Zone will hold themed events such as Gender Day, Decarbonisation Day and Solutions Day. Fatima Al Mahmoud / The National

It is a vast, vibrant space that offers a change of scenery. Fatima Al Mahmoud / The National

The Green Zone is designed as a place for the business community, youths, civil societies, academics, artists and fashion experts from all over the world to express themselves. Fatima Al Mahmoud / The National

Mr Sunak arrives in Sharm El Sheikh to attend Cop27. Getty

“They are a reason to act faster, because diversifying our energy supplies by investing in renewables is precisely the way to insure ourselves against the risks of energy dependency.

“It’s also a fantastic source of new jobs and growth.”

Mr Sunak’s attendance at the gathering in the Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh, alongside leaders such as US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron, marks his first outing on the international stage since becoming prime minister last month.

In a packed day at the conference, he also held bilateral meetings, including with Italy’s new far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen amid ongoing tension over post-Brexit trading arrangements.

The opening day of Cop27 in Sharm El Sheikh - in pictures

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak arriving in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, to attend the Cop27 summit. Getty Images

A dancer performs the 'Tanoura' during a street performance in Sharm El Sheikh. EPA

Cop27 President Sameh Shoukry speaks at the climate change conference in Sharm El Sheikh on Sunday. EPA

Participants and delegates meet in the Pacific Island pavilion at the Sharm El Sheikh International Convention Centre, on the first day of Cop27. AFP

Participants meet at the Sharm El Sheikh International Convention Centre on the first day of Cop27. AFP

Simon Stiell, the executive secretary of the UN's Framework Convention on Climate Change speaks at the climate summit in Sharm El Sheikh. EPA

Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Hoesung Lee attends the Cop27 opening ceremony. AFP

From left to right, the UN's climate change communications officer, Alexander Saier; Simon Stiell, the executive secretary of the UN's Framework Convention on Climate Change; and Cop27 President Sameh Shoukry listen to questions following the opening ceremony. AFP

Alok Sharma, president of the Cop26 climate summit, speaks at Cop27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. AP

Delegates arrive at Cop27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Mahmoud Nasr / The National

Delegates arrive at Cop27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Mahmoud Nasr / The National

Delegates arrive at Cop27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Mahmoud Nasr / The National

Activists demonstrate at the entrance of the Sharm El Sheikh International Convention Centre. Reuters

Delegates arrive at the Sharm El Sheikh International Convention Centre for Cop27. AFP

More than 120 world leaders plan to attend the crucial event in Sharm El Sheikh. Reuters

The summit comes at a critical moment with the world regularly experiencing extreme weather events that many – including the UN – have linked to climate change. Reuters

Two key areas on the agenda are trying to keep the Paris goal of 1.5ºC warming on pre-industrial levels alive and the issue of finance. AP

The summit begins in earnest on Monday when world leaders arrive at the summit for two days of intense talks. They will also deliver addresses to the event. Reuters

A delegate from the Cook Islands. AP

The main entrance of the Sharm El Sheikh International Convention Centre in Egypt where the Cop27 climate summit is opening today. Reuters

Participants visit the Sharm El Sheikh International Convention Centre. AFP

Participants at the Sharm El Sheikh International Convention Centre. Reuters

The climate summit will run from Sunday to Friday, November 18 at the Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh. AFP

Participants at the Sharm El Sheikh International Convention Centre before Cop27 opens. AFP

Finance and compensation are expected to dominate two weeks of tough talks in Sharm El Sheikh. Reuters

It is also expected Cop27 will hear calls for the historically controversial issue of 'loss and damage' funds to be placed on the agenda for the first time. AFP

Pledges on forests and methane made at last year’s Cop26 that are signed by more countries would be welcome. Reuters

An illumination of Khafre Pyramid, one of the three ancient pyramids of Giza. AFP

But on the climate issue, he faces criticism over the government’s decision to issue more licences for oil and gas exploration in the North Sea and its continued opposition to new onshore wind.

The UK is not on track to meet its carbon-reduction goals into the 2030s, and is under pressure over its delivery of climate finance commitments.

Friends of the Earth’s international climate campaigner Rachel Kennerley said the UK government was failing to deliver adequate finance to support vulnerable nations, and was still helping to fund a damaging gas project in Mozambique, as well as allowing new North Sea oil and gas schemes.

Ms Kennerley said that ministers should lift barriers to onshore wind and introduce home insulation, paid for with a bigger windfall tax on energy companies.

Mariana Paoli, from Christian Aid, said: “What is needed to truly help those facing the worst impacts of the climate crisis is a fund to compensate them for the permanent loss and damage they are experiencing.”

Ms Paoli said the UK had been quiet on the issue.

Our children's future hinges on climate action, Sheikh Mohamed says - video

Funding for loss and damage from climate change, such as destruction of crops, buildings and infrastructure in poorer countries, is now an item on the official agenda for the talks.

It is a key demand for some of the world’s most vulnerable countries, which are on the frontline of climate effects but have done least to cause the crisis, although developed countries have historically been reluctant to discuss it.

In his speech to world leaders, Mr Guterres warned that “loss and damage can no longer be swept under the rug. It is a moral imperative”, calling for concrete results on the issue at Cop27.

He also called for a pact between developed and developing countries, in which all nations make an extra effort to reduce emissions, and richer countries provide financial assistance to help emerging economies tackle climate change, and to end dependence on fossil fuels.

Mr Guterres said the US and China had particular responsibilities to join efforts to make the pact a reality, saying humanity had a choice to “co-operate or perish”.

Cop27 must be the place to close the credibility gap, says UN chief Guterres - video