Ed Miliband, the UK’s Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary, will personally lead the UK’s negotiations at Cop29, the UN climate summit in Azerbaijan this November. This marks a significant shift from previous Tory administrations, which often delegated such responsibilities to junior ministers.
Miliband’s hands-on approach is welcomed by senior climate diplomats, who view his extensive experience in multilateral negotiations as a strong asset. Christiana Figueres, former UN climate chief, praised Miliband’s deep understanding of the process, emphasizing that he would not need to start from scratch.
The decision contrasts sharply with the previous government’s handling of Cop summits. Notably, climate minister Graham Stuart left Cop28 for a parliamentary vote, highlighting the lesser priority given to these crucial talks.
Key topics at Cop29 will include climate finance for developing countries, essential for cutting emissions and managing extreme weather impacts. Developing nations demand substantial financial commitments from richer countries, responsible for the bulk of the climate crisis.
The geopolitical landscape is tense, with ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, US-China trade disputes, and political instability in France and Germany. The US election, occurring a week before the summit, adds further uncertainty.
David Lammy, the new Foreign Secretary, has built strong relations with developing countries, which could facilitate bridging gaps between the global south and the rich world. Miliband’s leadership, backed by his extensive experience and high-level involvement, is expected to enhance the UK’s influence and drive ambitious climate actions.
Experts like economist Nicholas Stern and former US climate envoy Todd Stern believe Miliband’s leadership will signal the UK’s strong commitment to climate action, enhancing its diplomatic clout. Rachel Kyte from the University of Oxford also noted that Miliband’s direct involvement underscores the UK’s seriousness about addressing the climate crisis, aligning with Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s promises.