The British Prime Minister intends to support efforts to combat climate change with two billion dollars

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is set to announce a funding commitment of £1.6 billion (approximately $2 billion) during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) summit on Friday. The announcement aims to underscore the UK’s commitment to climate change mitigation efforts after easing some measures to achieve emission reduction goals.

Sunak, attending the summit in Dubai, plans to bolster Britain’s standing as a climate change leader by allocating new funds, primarily directed toward projects in Africa and Asia addressing desertification and energy innovation.

The funding announcement is intended to showcase Britain’s “pragmatic” approach to climate change. This approach has faced criticism from environmental activists, particularly concerning delays in implementing measures such as the ban on new petrol car sales and granting new drilling licenses in the North Sea.

Sunak’s team, trailing the opposition Labour Party in pre-election polls for an anticipated election next year, believes that climate change measures must be perceived as financially feasible for voters to garner support.

“The world made ambitious pledges at previous COP conferences to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees,” Sunak said in a statement. “But the time for pledges is now over, and the time for action is now.”

He added: “The transition to zero emissions should make us all safer and better off. It should benefit, not burden ordinary families. The UK is making its way in making practical long-term decisions at home.”

The funding to be announced during the two-week summit includes up to £500 million to address the causes of desertification, £316 million for energy innovation projects around the world and up to £60 million for loss and damage.