Starmer Defends Green Economy Push Ahead of COP30 Despite Tropical Forest Fund Row

Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to leading global climate action as he departed for Brazil to attend the COP30 summit, vowing that transitioning to a green economy would lower energy bills, drive economic growth, and deliver “national renewal.”
Speaking before his flight, Starmer said Britain was “leading the way” in clean energy and highlighted £50 billion in new investment in the low-carbon sector since his government took office. He emphasized that green initiatives would create jobs and strengthen energy security by reducing dependence on foreign powers.
However, his efforts risk being overshadowed by controversy over the UK’s decision not to contribute to Brazil’s flagship COP30 project — the Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF). The fund aims to raise $125 billion to support forest preservation in Brazil and other countries by rewarding sustainable management. London has not ruled out future participation but considers the initiative to be in an “early stage.”
Starmer’s stance may cause friction with Brazilian hosts and even Prince William, who is in Brazil for the Earthshot Prize, where the TFFF is a nominee. Despite criticism, Starmer insisted that climate action is essential for economic progress, saying, “Critics who say climate action cannot boost the economy are completely wrong.”
While the UK continues to uphold one of the world’s strongest emissions-cutting pledges, other global powers have struggled to align. China’s plan has been labeled too weak by experts, and the EU only recently agreed on a 2035 emissions target after months of political infighting.