Comment on Petersberg Climate Dialogue

Commenting on the Petersberg Climate Dialogue [1], which concluded today as a virtual meeting after the usual format was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, Richard Black, Director of the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) said:

“The fact that this week’s Petersberg Dialogue and last week’s small island state-convened Placencia Ambition Forum both took place demonstrates clearly that countries remain committed to tackling climate change despite the global coronavirus crisis.

“What was particularly notable was the insistance of leaders, including UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, that the economic recovery from the pandemic should promote the low-carbon transition. Backing for a ‘clean recovery’ is now widespread, led by governments and major businesses.

“However, for actions to match rhetoric, concrete policies are going to be needed very soon – for example, the UK government delivering new policies that get the nation on track to its legally-binding net zero target and making sure that the world doesn’t bounce back into high-polluting ways as soon as the coronavirus lockdown eases.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. Petersberg Climate Dialogue: https://www.bmu.de/en/petersberg-climate-dialogue-xi/

For more information:

George Smeeton, head of communications, ECIU, Tel: 07894 571 153, email: george.smeeton@eciu.net