UK Government Plans Major Reduction in Climate Aid to Vulnerable Nations
In a controversial move, the UK government intends to cut its climate finance assistance to poor countries by more than a fifth, despite previous commitments to increase support. According to an exclusive report, this decision could have severe consequences for global climate action and the livelihoods of millions in developing regions.
Details of the Proposed Cuts
Ministers are planning to reduce climate aid from £11.6 billion over the past five years to £9 billion over the next five years. When adjusted for inflation, this represents an approximate 40% decrease in spending power since 2021. The Treasury is enforcing these cuts, even as intelligence warnings highlight the national security risks posed by ecosystem collapses abroad, such as in the Amazon or Congo, which could lead to soaring food prices and increased conflict.
This reduction comes just one year after the UK and other wealthy nations pledged to triple global climate finance to $300 billion annually by 2035. While the agreement did not specify individual contributions, a decrease from the UK will make achieving this target significantly more challenging.
Reactions from Campaigners and Experts
Mohamed Adow, director of the Power Shift Africa thinktank, expressed grave concerns, stating that for vulnerable countries, UK climate finance is not merely a budget item but a critical factor in determining resilience versus disaster. He warned that cutting this support at such a crucial time will inevitably cost lives and livelihoods.
Harjeet Singh, cofounder of the Satat Sampada Climate Foundation, criticised the move, arguing that it undermines the UK's credibility as a climate leader. He suggested that this action demonstrates to the global south that British promises are hollow and that the nation's ambition is diminishing rather than leading.
Internal Government Debates and Financial Maneuvers
Within the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, discussions are ongoing regarding the fourth round of international climate finance, known as ICF4. The £9 billion pledge is expected to translate to £2 billion annually for the next three years, followed by £1.5 billion per year in 2029-30 and 2030-31, extending beyond the current parliamentary term.
Additionally, civil servants are reportedly attempting to "rebadge" existing projects in areas like education and health under the climate finance umbrella. Some officials estimate that up to 30% of aid to the least developed countries could be classified as climate finance, even if these projects have minimal impact on addressing the climate crisis.
Impact on Nature Conservation and Global Standing
Funding for nature conservation is also at risk, with arguments persisting over the ringfence around £3 billion of the ICF budget dedicated to nature spending. While flagship initiatives such as the Blue Planet Fund may continue, they are likely to face reductions, according to sources.
Jonathan Hall, managing director of Conservation International UK, emphasised the importance of maintaining nature protection funding, citing a Joint Intelligence Committee report that links ecosystem preservation to UK national security and economic stability. He advocated for at least one-third of the climate budget to be allocated to nature programmes.
Transparency Issues and Government Response
Experts have raised concerns about the lack of transparency in UK climate finance spending, a problem exacerbated since Brexit as the UK no longer adheres to EU reporting standards. This opacity could render the term "climate finance" meaningless, as it becomes unclear how funds are actually utilised.
In response, a government spokesperson reaffirmed the UK's commitment to international climate finance, stating that the nation is on track to deliver £11.6 billion by the end of the current financial year. They emphasised a focus on modernising approaches to ensure greater impact for both UK taxpayers and the supported populations.
