# UK Champions Clean Energy Vision at COP29 Climate Talks

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's declaration at COP29 positions the UK strongly on the global clean energy stage.

In a defining moment at the COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer revealed plans for the most ambitious climate targets established by any industrialized nation to date. The UK aims to slash greenhouse gas emissions by an impressive 81 percent by 2035, using 1990 levels as a benchmark. This bold strategy not only illustrates Britain’s economic commitment to clean energy but also contrasts sharply with the anticipated withdrawal of the United States from its recent clean energy initiatives under President-elect Donald J. Trump.

During his address, Starmer emphasized the significance of this transition, declaring, “The race is on for the clean energy jobs of the future, the economy of the future.” The announcement reveals Britain’s ambition to become a prime investment destination for companies seeking to pivot towards clean energy solutions. This is particularly crucial as the potential shifts in U.S. policy could deter foreign investment in clean energy sectors such as battery production and renewable power.

Helen Clarkson, CEO of the Climate Group, remarked that the economic opportunities for the UK are vast, urging the Starmer government to form a strategic plan to attract clean energy investments. Starmer's Labour Party, which took office in July, campaigned on a platform to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels, aiming for a 2030 target to produce the majority of the UK's electricity from renewable sources—significantly ahead of the European Union's timeline.

This forward-looking approach may position the UK as a leader in the global clean energy race amidst changing international dynamics.