Embracing Climate Week in New York
It is a genuine pleasure to return to New York Climate Week, an event I hold in high regard, second only to London’s Climate Week. The atmosphere here is invigorating, and I’m eager to share some positive insights with you today. Despite the political challenges we face, projections indicate that by 2026, investments in clean energy will reach an impressive $2.2 trillion, outpacing the $1.2 trillion allocated to fossil fuels. This is a development that certainly deserves our applause.
Last year, I had the honour of attending as the Energy Secretary, and now, as the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, my commitment to the objectives of New York Climate Week remains steadfast. I am here today to emphasise a crucial point: the loss of climate and nature represents a pressing national security concern, one that necessitates a response commensurate with the scale of the challenge. It is imperative that we shift our perspectives and prioritise these issues within government agendas.
The Evolving Perspective on Climate Issues
Reflecting on my two decades of experience, I recall a time when climate change and environmental degradation were often sidelined as secondary issues. While they were acknowledged as important, they were not integrated into the fundamental discussions surrounding economic growth or energy security. However, over the past twenty years, the understanding of the opportunities presented by the energy transition has crystallised, particularly in terms of the creation of quality jobs that citizens across our nations are eager to pursue.
The geopolitical landscape has underscored our reliance on fossil fuel markets, especially in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which revealed the volatility of these markets. Similarly, the ongoing situation in Iran has highlighted the necessity for energy independence. As a result, there is a growing recognition of the urgency for clean energy solutions, not only for job creation but also for enhancing energy security.
Today, I urge you to recognise the national security imperative alongside these economic and energy considerations. The alarming realities of our current climate situation cannot be ignored. The first four months of 2026 alone saw over 150 million hectares scorched globally. We are experiencing record heat that has claimed countless lives, while Nepal faces devastating floods due to glacial melt coupled with the imminent El Niño, predicted to be the most intense in recent memory. The crisis of nature loss is equally severe, with ecosystems across the globe facing degradation.
The Role of National Security in Climate Action
These stark realities underscore why climate and nature crises must occupy the forefront of discussions among foreign ministers and heads of state, in addition to energy and climate ministers. This issue transcends environmental activism; it is a matter of national security that should be prioritised by military leaders and policymakers alike.
Recognising this brings forth several critical implications. Firstly, we must reshape our risk assessment frameworks. Climate and nature must be integral to national security strategies, threat evaluations, and contingency plans. As global interdependencies deepen, information sharing among nations is essential, as shocks in one country can rapidly ripple through supply chains and financial markets to others.
Secondly, we must enhance our capabilities to manage these cross-border shocks. This includes developing better forecasting systems, creating resilient infrastructure, and establishing effective disaster risk financing and insurance mechanisms. Proactive measures are vital to mitigate crises before they escalate.
Our Shared Responsibility to Act
While we cannot entirely evade the impacts of climate change already manifesting in our world, the severity of these effects is within our control. It is our collective responsibility to ensure the safety of our populations and to confront the threat posed by the climate crisis. Since our last gathering, the UK has made significant strides, enacting pioneering carbon budgets aligned with a 1.5-degree target, aiming for an 87% reduction in emissions by 2040.
We have also pledged £400 million to the Tropical Forest Forever facility to support international efforts in protecting tropical forests. Our commitment to establishing a world-leading clean power system by 2030 is another critical step forward. For us, the transition to clean energy is not merely an aspiration; it is central to our economic, energy security, and national security policies.
Looking Ahead with Optimism
As I conclude, I would like to emphasise three key points. Firstly, achieving our climate goals is possible, and it is crucial that we communicate this optimism. Reflecting on my experiences at the Copenhagen climate summit in 2009, when we were on a path towards a four-degree world, it is reassuring to see we are now aiming for a two-and-a-half-degree scenario. While still concerning, this shift illustrates that progress is attainable.
Secondly, we bear a unique responsibility as a generation. Unlike previous decades, we are acutely aware of the magnitude of the problem at hand; the climate crisis is no longer a distant theoretical issue. We have the opportunity to act, and we must seize it.
Lastly, I firmly believe that nations worldwide are increasingly recognising the gravity of this threat and the necessity for collaborative action. Last year, I urged you not to abandon multilateralism, and it is heartening to see countries continuing to engage in collective efforts. No single nation can tackle climate change in isolation; it requires a united front.
In closing, addressing these challenges is vital for the safety of our nations, the strength of our economies, and the sustainability of our planet for future generations. Let us make the most of this New York Climate Week. Thank you for your attention.