UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson opens COP26

“It was heartening to hear the prime minister lay bare the peril the world faces from climate change and take it seriously, including the need to keep global warming to 1.5°C.

“But we cannot buy our way out of this mess simply by creating a private sector-led green economy. The poorest and most vulnerable countries are already losing lives, livelihoods, infrastructure and assets to climate change and urgently need public funds to adapt to this new reality.  But this crucial component was sadly lacking in the prime minister’s speech.

“Over the next two weeks, as well as moves to cut emissions, we need to see richer countries commit to allocating at least 50% of public climate finance to adaptation. Millions of lives depend on it.”