Energy secretary Claire Coutinho is set to announce £85 million of measures to protect the world’s rainforests and encourage investment in clean energy.
At COP28, she will announce the funding for initiatives ranging from combatting deforestation to cutting methane emissions.
The funding will include up to £35 million to protect the Amazon rainforest, through Brazil’s dedicated Amazon Fund which was agreed on Friday.
This amounts to £80 million on top of the funding agreed by the prime minister earlier this year.
The first agreement with Brazil aims to boost efforts to cut carbon emissions from heavy industries including steel, cement and chemicals, and will involve the use of new technologies including alternative fuels and technologies that enhance energy efficiency.
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The second will support Brazil’s National Hydrogen Programme, with the country aiming for a sevenfold increase in research and development for the hydrogen related technologies between 2020 and 2025.
Despite this, the UK has been criticised for U-turning on its own net zero policies, with Rishi Sunak being accused of mixed messages as he sort to defend policies including pushing back the phase out of petrol vehicles and the introduction of heat pumps.
Claire Coutinho said: “The UK is a world leader in the drive to net zero, so it is vital that we support our international allies in Brazil in meeting their climate ambitions”.
“That’s why we have pledged up to £35 million to help stop deforestation in the Amazon, making the UK one of the largest contributors to the Amazon Fund.”
“We will also partner with Brazil at COP28 and draw on our combined strengths to develop alternative fuels like hydrogen, advance green technologies and drive global action to cut emissions.”
