When talking about climate change, the United Kingdom cannot shy away. Arguably the oldest industrialised country, it has an undeniable historical responsibility for the rise of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which has led to the present climate crisis. Due to its colonial past, the UK holds even more accountability; its previous colonies are often developing countries that experience the worst impacts of environmental degradation. The UK should therefore accept these responsibilities and embrace a meaningful role in the fight against complete climate catastrophe.
The heavy moral burdens of the past must not, however, utterly overshadow present achievements. In the last decades, the UK has proven more than once that it can be a leader in the transformation towards a more sustainable planet. For instance, the country is a pioneer in decarbonising the energy sector, having managed to reduce coal usage to a mere 2% of the total energy production, and investing massively in wind power. In 2008, the UK became one of the first countries to implement a law pledging to cut GHG emissions; the Climate Change Act. Since then, dozens of other states have followed. The UK is therefore fully capable of having a leadership role in the fight to reduce climate change.
Leading by example is a strategy that cannot be neglected. After all, influence is a powerful tool in today’s geopolitical setting. In the case of climate commitments, the benefits are not immediately distinguishable and the costs are substantial. Some countries would be more disadvantaged than others if they were to act alone and they would be at risk of ‘free-riding’ nations, who would enjoy the benefits of climate action without paying for the costs themselves. However, inaction cannot and must not be a possibility. The question thus arises, who should act first? Who should be the catalyst for cooperative and international environmental protection?
The United Kingdom surely would be a good candidate alongside other nations who have resources they can spare towards immediate environmental protection. However, we must do so without forgetting the errors of the past and try not to alienate, belittle or command others. For a better world, we must strive towards this monumental goal.
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