Boris Johnson has promised “urgent action” on the climate crisis, taking personal leadership of this year’s UN climate talks after a blistering attack by the sacked former minister who was to lead them.

“Unless we take urgent action, we will get 3C hotter,” the prime minister told a gathering of climate experts, business leaders and civil society groups at the Science Museum in London on Tuesday morning. “As a country, as a society, as a planet and as a species, we must now act.”

He called on all governments to follow the lead of the UK in setting a target of net zero emissions by 2050, promised support for “our Chinese friends” in their efforts to tackle species loss and environmental degradation, and announced he would bring forward the phaseout of diesel and petrol cars in the UK from 2040 to 2035. Click here to read more 

BBC A ban on the sale of new petrol, diesel and hybrid cars is to be brought forward, the government says.

So how could the move help the UK meet its target of emitting virtually zero carbon by 2050? And what does it mean for drivers?

When will petrol and diesel cars be banned?

The ban is being introduced in 2035 – five years earlier than previously planned.

Experts said the original target of 2040 would be too late if the UK wanted to achieve its target of emitting virtually zero carbon by 2050.

The ban is also being expanded to hybrid cars and plug-in hybrids, which had not been included under the original proposals.

As a result, people will be able to buy only electric or hydrogen cars and vans. Click here to read  more

Guardian Claire O’Neill’s letter to Boris Johnson – what it really means

We examine the claims by O’Neill, who was fired as president of the COP 26 climate negotiations on Friday

Damning insight into the chaotic lack of progress on the COP 26 preparations.