COP30: momentum amongst missed opportunities

In discussions around adopting clean energy at scale, shining examples were shared at COP30 to set a precedent. Uruguay now generates 98% of its electricity from renewables. Pakistan is experiencing one of the most rapid solar revolutions worldwide, assisted by super-cheap panels being produced in China. More than half of India’s power came from clean sources in a single day this year.

Crucially, this is translating to lower costs; 91% of all new renewable projects are now cheaper than fossil fuels alternatives, according to a recent report from the International Renewable Energy Agency. 

We know that British people are proud to be moving towards clean energy, with wind and solar power being backed by a majority. The shift is decidedly underway: over half of our electricity in the UK last year was green-powered, and rooftop solar installations recently hit a record high.

Against the backdrop of the Brazilian Amazon, the UK joined 14 other governments in a commitment to secure and strengthen Indigenous Peoples’ and local communities’ land tenure rights. This accounts for land covering 160 million hectares—more than the size of Mongolia—in tropical forest countries. 

Additionally, the Tropical Forest Forever Facility launched at the conference, offering a new path forward outside of the UN process to pay nations in return for safeguarding their forests. An Earthshot Prize finalist, it has been hailed as an innovative alternative to traditional forest funding schemes. However, at this stage, it has secured less than a quarter of the funds required for a full-scale rollout, and is yet to receive investment from the UK. Initial ambitions to set out a plan to halt deforestation at COP30 also got lost alongside the fossil fuel phase out.

Nature conservation matters deeply to Brits: 86% of us think it’s important that climate action should also protect nature and wildlife. For many Britons, harm to our natural world and the wildlife that depends on it is our top concern in terms of the impacts of climate change.

Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, stood firm throughout COP on a few counts, including a clear push for a roadmap away from fossil fuels. Miliband is well aware of the widely-held consensus on efforts to address climate change. In his reflections on COP30, he shares: “The Brazil conference underlined the wish by a global majority for clean energy and climate action – and the UK will keep leading the way.“

The Secretary of State’s clear direction on climate action is something that British people want to see from those who hold power; our latest research tells us that most Brits see delivering on ambitious climate leadership as a sign of strength. This stands true when leaders are faced with challenges, of which multilateralism is not short of.  

This week has seen two major announcements from the UK government. Firstly, an end to licences to explore new oil and gas fields, a first for a G7 country. It’s brilliant to see the Labour manifesto pledge being put into motion, a step towards rebuilding the deep distrust that many British people have in government. 

Second, efforts to reduce energy bills in the 2025 budget, including by moving green levies which help to pay for the transition to clean energy onto general taxation. We are looking to the upcoming Warm Homes Plan to support low-income households by driving forward key areas such as insulation and heat pump support – and drive down bills whilst improving fundamental living standards. 

One notable point of COP30 progress is the UK’s involvement in the Global Climate Action Agenda, putting people across all levels of society at the heart of ambitious climate action and intensifying progress towards the goals of the Paris Agreement. Countries agree that mobilising stronger climate action requires engaging populations from all walks of life, if we are to successfully limit global warming to 1.5C.

The UK has an opportunity to drive this forward and to build community resilience across our nation, setting an example for countries world over. Building on people-first policies – sharing stories of our unstoppable progress and highlighting what a sustainable future means for people’s lives – should be central to putting accelerated action into practice. 

Take a look at our latest research and communications toolkit to build a picture of hope that resonates with how Brits truly think and feel.