The UK foreign secretary, David Lammy, has delivered a passionate speech at the historic Temperate House in Kew Gardens, West London, signaling a dramatic shift in the country’s stance on climate change. His address aims to put the UK at the forefront of global efforts to combat the climate crisis—an approach that starkly contrasts with the previous administration under Rishi Sunak.

The venue holds symbolic significance, as it was the same location where John Kerry, former US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, compared the climate crisis to the devastation of World War II in 2021. Kerry’s speech helped pave the way for a landmark Cop26 summit in Glasgow, where nations united to limit global temperature rises to 1.5°C. Yet, that coalition has since fractured, and the likelihood of keeping temperature rises within the safe threshold is diminishing.

Lammy’s message is clear: it’s time to rebuild those coalitions and place the UK at the center of global efforts to address the urgent threat of climate change. “Tackling climate and nature crises will be central to all the Foreign Office does,” he declared, underscoring the systemic, pervasive, and accelerating dangers posed by global warming.

A Pivotal Moment for UK Green Diplomacy

Lammy’s vision aligns with the broader ambitions of the Labour government, which aims to re-establish the UK as a leader in climate diplomacy. On the same day, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband addressed experts in London, stressing that economic renewal depends on shifting to a low-carbon economy. Environment Secretary Steve Reed also reinforced this commitment, stating at the Natural History Museum that “nature and climate change are integral to security and economic stability.”

The message from all corners of the government is unified: Labour is ready to take bold action to tackle the climate and ecological crises head-on. This contrasts sharply with the previous Conservative government, which scaled back green policies and climate leadership, exemplified by Sunak skipping key international climate meetings.

UK’s Role on the Global Stage: Rebuilding Alliances

Labour’s strategy includes reappointing a climate envoy and creating the new position of nature envoy to coordinate international environmental efforts. Miliband has already hosted international climate leaders, including the president of Cop29, and plans to further engage with global partners, including Brazil’s leadership for Cop30. Next year, the UK will also host a major conference on energy security.

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The renewed diplomatic efforts have not gone unnoticed. Harjeet Singh, global engagement director for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, commended the UK’s efforts to build resilience in vulnerable nations and advocate for global climate justice. Mohamed Adow of the Power Shift Africa thinktank echoed this sentiment, calling on the UK to lead by example and accelerate the energy transition.

Tough Decisions Ahead: Climate Finance, Emissions, and Fossil Fuels

While Labour’s rhetoric has been met with enthusiasm, real progress will depend on addressing several pressing challenges. First, the UK needs to bolster its domestic environmental policies, especially in the face of its failure to meet emissions targets for 2030. Setting a credible yet stringent emissions reduction target for 2035 will require a unified cross-government effort.

Second, financing the global climate fight will be crucial. Although Miliband has pledged to honor the UK’s £11.6 billion climate finance commitment by 2026, more significant funding will be needed, even as the government tightens its budget.

Third, the future of oil and gas remains a contentious issue. Labour has promised to halt new oil and gas licenses, but activists are calling for further action, including joining international coalitions to phase out fossil fuels. Greenpeace UK’s head of politics, Rebecca Newsom, has urged the government to ratify global treaties on plastic pollution, oceans, and deep-sea mining as “quick wins” for its green agenda.

A New Beginning or Another False Start?

The upcoming Cop29 summit will be a critical test of whether the Labour government can successfully reassert the UK’s leadership on the global climate stage. As international allies await decisive action, the key will be Labour’s ability to stand firm against polluting industries and push for greater international collaboration, particularly with vulnerable nations.