Burnham says climate consensus 'gone' but pledges 'new era of leadership' in COP31 speech
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham addressed the COP31 climate summit, acknowledging that global consensus on climate science has eroded. He announced the appointment of a climate security envoy to address the growing geopolitical and economic threats posed by environmental instability.
Why it matters
The shift toward framing climate change as a national security issue signals a major change in how governments prioritize environmental policy in the face of political skepticism.
Image source, Stefan Rousseau/AFP/Getty Images Image caption, PM Andy Burnham was the only G7 leader to go to COP31
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has warned that the consensus on both science and climate change has "gone".
Addressing other world leaders and delegates at the COP31 climate summit in Turkey, he said that despite this, the UK was ready to begin a "new era of British leadership" on the climate change issue.
But environmental campaigners at the summit said the PM had to back up his warm words with stronger actions.
In recent months, the UK government has announced policies which critics say have weakened its green credentials, such as reducing support for heat pumps, approving the Jackdaw gas field and doubling down on support for Heathrow Airport's expansion.
Burnham opened his speech on Thursday by talking about the heat experienced in the UK this past summer.
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