Whether any change in UK climate policy is linked to this manouevre remains to be seen.
In a surprise move, the woman appointed to run the crucial UN climate summit in Glasgow in November has been sacked, reports BBC News.
Claire Perry O’Neill, a former climate minister, had been assigned the post of “president” of the event, known as COP 26.
The British government has confirmed that the job will now be handled by the business department, Beis.
In a tweet, Mrs O’Neill said she was “very sad” to lose the role, and went on to criticise the government.
It couldn’t “cope” with an independent unit managing preparations for the conference, she said.
And in a sharp dig at No 10’s green credentials, she also added: “A shame we haven’t had one climate cabinet meeting since we formed.”
In response, a Cabinet Office statement said the prime minister thanked Mrs O’Neill for her work so far.
“Preparations will continue at pace for the summit, and a replacement will be confirmed shortly. Going forward, this will be a ministerial role.”
This will come as a shock to many of the business and environmental groups working with her in the run-up to the summit.
It will also surprise diplomats and negotiators from other countries with whom Mrs O’Neill had formed bonds.
Full report here.
via Tallbloke’s Talkshop
January 31, 2020 at 02:17PM
Iowa Climate Science Education 