The New Statesman: politics and culture Will world leaders ever fix climate change?
Nov 11, 2025
Rachel Kyte, the UK's Special Climate Envoy, and Christiana Figueres, former UNFCCC Executive Secretary, dive into the pressing climate crisis. They discuss the grim reality that limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees is now seen as 'virtually impossible.' Kyte highlights the consequences of U.S. absence in climate talks and the importance of renewables. Figueres emphasizes the need for real-world evidence to drive action, warning of devastating outcomes for vulnerable islands and the historical significance of COP30 in shaping future climate strategies.
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Public Support Outlasts Political Friction
- Public consensus on climate action remains strong even if political consensus frays.
- Rachel Kyte warns 194 countries still engage and COP remains essential for identifying what scales up.
US Retreat Harms Global And Domestic Interests
- The US stepping back weakens collective ambition and economic signals.
- Kyte says US retreat harms its citizens through energy price and economic impacts.
Reform Power Regulation To Deliver Cheap Clean Energy
- Reform power-sector regulation so consumers capture renewable energy savings.
- Invest in grids, interconnectors and transformers to unlock private renewable investment.