The UK government has added its voice to the widespread disappointment over the United Nations discussions on the climate crisis which ended in compromise and frustration.

Lengthy talks in Madrid ended on Sunday with polluters resisting calls to increase efforts to minimise global heating and negotiators delaying debate about rules for international carbon markets for another year.

The UK expressed its determination to “drive even more ambitious” pledges by the next conference – COP26 – which will be held in Glasgow in November.

Frustration

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was “disappointed” by the final declaration, which cited an “urgent need” to cut greenhouses gases in line with the 2015 Paris Agreement.

But the outcome fell short of explicitly demanding countries to propose bolder emissions plans next year, in accordance with environmentalists and developing countries’ demands.

The UK thanked Chile’s efforts in the Cop25 talks but expressed its frustration at the result.

Ambitious

“Tackling climate change is one of the most urgent issues we face and we are extremely grateful for the tireless efforts of the Chilean Cop presidency to reach an agreement, in challenging circumstances in Madrid,” a UK Government spokesman said.

“It is disappointing talks did not move as far or as fast at the UK had hoped.

“There is still much more to do and we are determined to increase the momentum and drive even more ambitious climate action at next year’s talks in Glasgow.”

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Sam Blewett is the political correspondent for PA. Image: John Englart.