UK reaffirms commitment to climate goals amid US Paris exit

Despite the US exit from the Paris Agreement, UK climate envoy Rachel Kyte reaffirms Britain’s commitment to climate goals, stressing the importance of global action and green energy investments.

Despite the United States' decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, the UK remains committed to meeting its climate goals, according to Britain’s climate envoy Rachel Kyte. Speaking during a visit to South Africa, Kyte emphasised that the science behind the Paris climate targets has not changed, and the global commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions must continue.  

Kyte acknowledged the setback caused by the US exit, but reassured that the UK was moving forward with its own targets, aiming to limit global warming to well below 2°C. “The direction of travel is the same,” she said.  

US President Donald Trump’s withdrawal has raised concerns, but Kyte stressed that the UK’s efforts would not be undermined. She highlighted Britain’s commitment to green energy and the effective use of public funds to drive private investments in the energy transition.  

With the US also pulling out of the Just Energy Transition Partnership, Kyte noted that other international partners, such as South Africa, Vietnam, and Indonesia, would continue to receive support to transition away from coal. Despite challenges, Kyte’s message was clear: global climate action must not be derailed by one nation’s retreat.  

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