Ed Miliband, the UK Energy Secretary, will visit China to urge climate action in the first ministerial visit since 2017. He aims to promote the Paris Climate Agreement, address human rights issues, and invite China for further discussions in London. The UK is committed to decarbonization by 2050 while China targets net zero by 2060.
The United Kingdom’s energy and net zero secretary, Ed Miliband, is scheduled to visit China this weekend to garner support for climate commitments, marking the first visit by a UK energy minister to Beijing since 2017. Miliband’s trip will include a series of meetings concluding on Monday, during which he plans to advocate for continued action from China to address the climate crisis.
In an opinion piece in The Guardian, Miliband emphasized the need for both nations to fulfill the objectives set forth in the Paris Climate Agreement, especially in light of the United States’ withdrawal from the accord. He remarked that it is a “negligence towards today’s and future generations not to engage China on this topic.”
Furthermore, Miliband intends to address human rights violations in Hong Kong as well as the treatment of the Uyghur minority during discussions. He aims to invite Chinese officials to London later this year to renew formal climate dialogue, affirming the UK’s commitment to being a leader in global climate cooperation and stressing that these efforts are vital for protecting current and future generations of British citizens.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has prioritized engagement with China since assuming office in July, despite ongoing concerns regarding security and human rights issues. China, as the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, plays a dual role; while it aims to reach net zero by 2060, it is also recognized as a global leader in renewable energy production. The UK aims for complete decarbonization by 2050 and is accelerating its transition to clean energy, a move officials believe will bolster its economy.
Ed Miliband’s forthcoming visit to China represents a significant opportunity for the UK to reaffirm its commitment to climate agreements and to enhance bilateral discussions on pressing environmental issues. Despite challenges related to security and human rights, the visit underscores the UK’s aspiration to lead in global climate action and address concerns regarding climate change and environmental justice.
Original Source: www.france24.com
