TO BE PUBLISHED April 2025
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This conference will examine priorities for UK climate policy following key outcomes of COP29, including newly agreed targets on emissions reduction and climate finance.
Policy
It is bringing stakeholders and policymakers together to examine implications and priorities for sectors and citizens in the UK, including the way forward for financing mechanisms and partnerships essential for meeting climate and transition finance targets, practicalities and support for industry adaptation, and the role of advanced technologies in decarbonisation.
The conference will also be an opportunity to consider the issues against the backdrop of wider UK government goals for economic growth, including major infrastructure projects such as Heathrow expansion and the recent publication of the UK’s Seventh Carbon Budget by the Climate Change Committee, which included advice to government on meeting carbon emissions targets by 2050.
Finance
Delegates will discuss the roles of private investment, innovative financial products, and cross-sectoral partnerships in supporting decarbonisation, adaptation and loss and damage measures. Attendees will assess strategies for climate finance, implementation of the revised UK Nationally Determined Contribution target of at least 81% emissions reduction by 2035, and supporting carbon market development under the Paris Agreement’s Article 6 framework. The UK’s role in fostering global collaboration through the Pact for the Future will also be considered, alongside strengthening climate resilience and transitioning to low-carbon energy systems.
Business
Strategic options for supporting growth in green industries and renewables such as offshore wind and hydrogen production will be discussed, alongside priorities for enabling carbon-intensive sectors to transition away from fossil fuels. Areas for discussion include strategies to attract investment and support regional development, including through decarbonisation projects, particularly in areas with strong industrial bases or high energy dependence, and how to address challenges such as grid capacity and supply chains, and meeting demand for low-carbon heat and power.
Innovation
Delegates will also explore innovation and initiatives in the energy sector, assessing key issues for supply chain readiness, necessary skills development, and public engagement. We expect discussion on initiatives such as the UK-US collaboration agreed at COP29 on accelerating research and development of advanced modular nuclear reactors. Delegates will consider implications for decarbonising industries, use in new technologies such as powering AI development, and integration into the wider UK energy system.
Citizens and communities
The social and economic needs of UK citizens and communities will be a focus, looking at what needs to be put in place to support a just transition that balances environmental goals, whilst mitigating costs and disruption for consumers. We expect discussion on supporting green job creation, particularly for workers in sectors and communities most affected by transition, priorities for the Government’s developing skills policies, and strengthening partnerships and effective collaboration between local authorities and education providers.
Environment
The agenda looks at renewed environmental priorities for the UK following COP29, including enhancing climate adaptation and resilience to protect vulnerable communities. We expect discussion on enforcement and monitoring of stricter methane reduction targets, and further opportunities to enhance biodiversity through sustainable land use practices.
UK global outlook
Further sessions assess the way forward following the Government’s pledge to bring the UK back to the forefront of climate leadership. Areas for discussion include implications of global and regional shifts signalled by the European Union and United States, including for domestic industries and communities, as well as opportunities for further collaboration.
In the context of the new global climate finance goal, aiming to mobilise at least £300bn annually from 2035, delegates will discuss how to bridge potential funding gaps, especially where public finance from developed countries may fall short.
All delegates will be able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. As well as key stakeholders, those due to attend include parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Commons and officials from Defra; DESNZ; DfT; MHCLG; DBT; HM Treasury; NIC; and The Scottish Government.
