Green policies just good politics, says UK minister
United Nations, United States: Transitioning to a low-carbon economy isn’t just vital for the planet’s future – it’s also good politics, according to Britain’s climate minister, who argues the country’s record-hot summer has galvanised public opinion like never before.
Katie White, a member of the UK Labour government, asserts that transitioning to a low-carbon economy benefits not only the planet but also political prospects. The government's record-breaking summer, marked by extreme heat waves and devastating wildfires, has reportedly bolstered public support for climate action. The ruling party's right-wing counterparts have been criticized for opposing these goals, claiming they would harm the economy.
Despite this, a recent Ipsos poll revealed that 74% of British citizens are now concerned about climate change, a significant increase compared to prior to the summer. White emphasized that this shift in public opinion represents a significant change from previous political consensus. While acknowledging the upfront costs associated with renewable energy investments, White defended the long-term benefits of clean power, drawing a comparison to the upfront costs of renting a house versus investing in one's own property.
She reiterated that Britain's policy remains focused on the needs of its citizens and stated that some oil and gas development may be compatible with the country's carbon budget. White highlighted electrification as a primary focus, noting that transitioning to electricity, particularly when sourced from renewable energies, offers a more pleasant and efficient experience.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
