Starmer Sets Bold Emissions Target at COP29

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a bold target to reduce the nation's carbon emissions by 81% by 2035, positioning the UK as a leader in the global fight against climate change. This ambitious goal was unveiled at the COP29 climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, amidst concerns over President-elect Donald Trump's climate policies, which include potentially withdrawing from the Paris Climate Accord. Starmer emphasized the UK's commitment to renewable energy and green technology, aiming to make the UK the green finance capital of the world, despite criticism over reliance on carbon capture technology. While avoiding direct criticism of Trump's climate views, Starmer reiterated the UK's leadership role in addressing the climate crisis. This move is significant against the backdrop of Trump’s appointment of Lee Zeldin to the US Environmental Protection Agency, signaling a possible shift away from global environmental commitments. Meanwhile, in domestic politics, the UK government is also seeking to reform the House of Lords by removing hereditary peers, highlighting a broader agenda for legislative modernization.