April 2025
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This conference examined priorities for UK climate policy following key outcomes of COP29, including newly agreed targets on emissions reduction and climate finance.
It came with the Prime Minister committing at COP for the UK to reduce all greenhouse gas emissions by at least 81% on 1990 levels by 2035. Delegates explored practicalities if this target is to be achieved and what is needed moving forward, with the Government aiming to utilise decarbonisation of the energy sector, investment in clean energy projects, electrifying the transport system, advancing CCS and improving energy efficiency in buildings.
Policy
It brought 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 was also 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 discussed the roles of private investment, innovative financial products, and cross-sectoral partnerships in supporting decarbonisation, adaptation and loss and damage measures. Attendees assessed 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 was also 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 were discussed, alongside priorities for enabling carbon-intensive sectors to transition away from fossil fuels. Areas for discussion included 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 in supply chains, and meeting demand for low-carbon heat and power.
Innovation
Delegates also explored innovation and initiatives in the energy sector, assessing key issues for supply chain readiness, necessary skills development, and public engagement. We expected discussion on initiatives such as the UK-US collaboration agreed at COP29 on accelerating research and development of advanced modular nuclear reactors. Delegates considered 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 were 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. The conference took place following the government announcing initiatives such as the Green Energy Bonus, which provides financial support for offshore wind developers on condition that they prioritise investment in disadvantaged communities. We expected 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 looked at renewed environmental priorities for the UK following COP29, including enhancing climate adaptation and resilience to protect vulnerable communities. We expected 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 assessed the way forward following the Government’s pledge to bring the UK back to the forefront of climate leadership with the Prime Minister co-launching the Global Clean Power Alliance, with the aim of uniting countries to speed up the clean energy transition globally, as well as the announcement at COP that the UK will provide £239m in new funding to help forest-rich nations tackle climate change. Areas for discussion included 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 discussed how to bridge potential funding gaps, especially where public finance from developed countries may fall short.
All delegates were 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 that attended include parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Commons and officials from Defra; DAERA, NI; DSIT; DESNZ; DfT; MHCLG; DBT; HM Treasury; Ofwat; Department for the Economy, NI; NAO; ONS; NIC; POST; Isle of Man Government; HSE; MOD; the Welsh Government; and The Scottish Government.
