Guardian ‘PM must prioritise climate or Cop26 will fail, say leading figures

IEA welcomes appointment of Alok Sharma but others worry about nature of his dual role

Boris Johnson must put the climate crisis at the top of his government’s agenda if crunch UN talks this year are to be a success, leading international figures have told the Guardian.

Alok Sharma was appointed on Thursday as the business secretary and president of Cop26, the UN talks on the climate crisis to be held this November in Glasgow. Some climate experts are concerned that he won’t be able to stand up to governments reluctant to make strong commitments to cut greenhouse gases, while at the same time supporting British businesses struggling in the turmoil of Brexit.

Lord Stern, former World Bank chief economist, said he had confidence in Sharma, having worked with him closely on international development issues. “[Sharma] has worked with developing countries, and has shown he can build up the relationships he needs,” he said. “He has the knowledge and the ability to form the relationships that are needed with developing countries that will be essential to the success of Cop26.” Click here to read more