Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson, wearing a face mask or covering due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leaves 10 Downing Street in central London on January 27, 2021. AFP
With the aim of tackling the impacts of climate change, the UK has launched a new international coalition in partnership with Egypt and other countries.
The coalition was announced by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson at the Netherlands-hosted Climate Adaptation Summit held from 25 to 26 January.
The initiative was developed by the UK in partnership with Egypt, Bangladesh, Malawi, the Netherlands, Saint Lucia and the United Nations.
Addressing the gathering, Johnson said, "It is undeniable that climate change is already upon us and is already devastating lives and economies.”
“We must adapt to our changing climate, and we must do so now. I’ll be making the need for a resilient recovery a priority of the UK’s G7 presidency this year," he added.
"To make sure we get not just warm words but real change, I am today launching an all-new Adaptation Action Coalition to set the agenda ahead of COP26. Let’s work together to adapt, to become more resilient, and to save lives and livelihoods all around the world,” he added.
COP26 is the 26th United Nations Climate Change conference that is scheduled for 1-12 November in Glasgow, Scotland under the presidency of the UK.
The new coalition will work to turn international political commitments made through the United Nations Call for Action on Adaptation and Resilience into on-the-ground support for vulnerable communities, the PM said.
The UK, which is currently experiencing more high rainfall events as a result of climate change, has committed an additional £5.2 billion to new flood and coastal defence schemes, he added.
Alok Sharma, a former UK minister who will preside over COP26, called on all countries to come forward with ambitious adaptation plans.
"This important new coalition will crucially focus minds around the world to accelerate adaptation delivery in the areas most in need," he added during his speech at the event.
He noted that the coalition will draw on the expertise of scientists, businesses, civil society and more, and will act as a forum for developed and developing countries to share knowledge and best practice on local, regional and global solutions to deal with climate change.
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