Leading climate organisations in the UK have accused Prime Minister Andy Burnham of "remaining silent" on the climate crisis, as the country grapples with its fifth heatwave of the year. Over 50 groups, including Greenpeace, WWF, and Friends of the Earth, have written to Burnham, urging him to "show leadership" and acknowledge that the climate crisis is driving the current extreme conditions.
The letter highlights that widespread droughts and devastating wildfires are affecting the country, with unprecedented extreme heat impacting the UK economy, closing schools, crippling regional transport networks, and straining the NHS. The organisations argue that without naming the cause of the rapidly changing environment, the country cannot be adequately prepared for necessary adaptations and efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
While Burnham held a Cobra meeting this week to discuss the heatwave and drought, his subsequent statement reportedly focused on disposable barbecues and did not mention the climate crisis. The government faces a decision in the coming weeks regarding potential new drilling at the Jackdaw gas field and the Rosebank oil field in the North Sea, which is seen as a test of its climate policies.