Conservative parties in countries like the US, Australia, and Canada have allowed climate change opponents to shape their politics. However, in Britain, Tory prime ministers have marginalized such views within their party. In fact, Margaret Thatcher was the first world leader to warn the UN about the climate threat back in 1989. Since then, successive Tory prime ministers have shown unity on the need to decarbonize. Theresa May, for example, made Britain the first country to legally commit to the net zero goal of the Paris agreement, and not a single MP voted against it. This cross-party consensus has enabled a boom in offshore wind energy, leading to the rapid phase-out of coal and the creation of clean electricity and jobs. Britain has even played a crucial role in supplying alternative electricity to the continent during times of gas shortages. Boris Johnson, despite his flaws, recognized the public’s demand for more ambitious climate action and included the net zero goal in his winning manifesto. He has implemented policies to cut carbon pollution, such as ending the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030. Grants have been offered to households to incentivize cleaner heating technologies, and efforts have been made to attach green criteria to farm subsidies after Brexit.
However, recent developments suggest that Chancellor Rishi Sunak may be breaking away from this long-standing consensus in pursuit of political division with the Labour party ahead of the upcoming general election. Independent advisers on climate change, led by Lord Deben, issued a damning report stating that their confidence in Britain achieving its carbon targets has declined since Sunak took office. Even May, in a rare intervention, warned that the UK is falling behind in climate action. Last week, environmentalist Zac Goldsmith resigned, citing Sunak’s lack of interest in the planet and the abandonment of promises made to aid poorer countries in dealing with extreme weather events. This lack of commitment to the environment was evident earlier when Sunak failed to prioritize climate action among his top five priorities for office.
Sunak’s decisions, including the approval of the first deep coalmine in Britain in 30 years and the failure to unleash the potential of onshore windfarms, have raised concerns among moderate backbenchers. These decisions not only question his personal dedication to carbon reduction but also cast doubt on his economic and political judgment. It’s worth mentioning that a report by the thinktank Onward highlighted how retreating from climate ambition could cost the Tories more than a million votes, as environmental concerns are a top priority for the public. The transition to green offers immense economic opportunities that can drive much-needed growth and improve public services. However, analysis shows that Britain is investing significantly less in green technologies compared to Germany and France.
While China and the US are taking lead in industries like solar power and battery technologies, Britain risks being left behind. Is Sunak willing to sacrifice the country’s future to score political points against Labour? Or is he simply lacking the strength to stand up to right-wing individuals who seem out of touch with the need for climate action? The prime minister now has a chance to correct the course by supporting proposals that promote onshore wind and solar energy, block new coalmines, and restore the climate consensus crucial for our security and prosperity. It is essential to act now to ensure Britain remains competitive in the global race to build a sustainable future.
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