Ken O’Flaherty, the UK government’sCOP26 Regional Ambassador to Asia-Pacific and South Asia, shares information about his role as COP26 Regional Ambassador, his view on the important elements that need to come together to deliver a successful COP26, challenges and priorities for the region and more.

What is the Role of COP26 Regional Ambassador?

I’m working with governments, business and civil society across Asia and the Pacific to drive action on climate change ahead of COP26 in Glasgow next November.

What are the main priorities and challenges you perceive in Asia and the Pacific with regards to climate action?

Asia is the driver of the world economy. As economies in the region develop, their demands for energy will continue to grow. So it’s essential that we accelerate the energy transition across the region – boosting uptake of renewable energy and driving down use of fossil fuels, particularly coal. Renewables are already the cheapest option for new energy in the vast majority of Asian countries. So we need to make sure that countries have access to climate finance to help them take advantage of cheap, clean energy.

Asia and the Pacific states are already seeing the impact of climate change – whether from sea level rises or extreme weather events. One third of Bangladesh was under water earlier this year. So we are also working to help countries adapt to climate change and build their resilience for the future.

We believe strongly that nature-based solutions must be a key element of our climate response across Asia and the Pacific. That can include working with governments and business to tackle deforestation, protecting mangroves and working to safeguard our oceans.

In your view, what are the most important elements that need to come together to deliver a successful COP26?

When world leaders come together at COP26 next year, it needs to be on the basis of strong action on climate change worldwide. That means driving down emissions in line with ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions and long-term strategies. It will also mean concrete action to support countries dealing with the consequences of climate change. So we are pressing international donors to step up their support on climate finance, following the doubling of our own assistance to £11.6 billion.

Do you have any message to stakeholders in the region, both public and private, regarding how they can contribute to the achievement of a successful COP26?

Governments cannot on their own deliver the massive change that is needed. We need businesses to lead the way by setting their own Net Zero targets and joining calls for action. We are determined that the voices of civil society – women, young people and indigenous people – are all heard and join us in pressing for climate ambition ahead of COP26. I encourage everyone to play their part in delivering action at the local level, and pressing governments and business to accelerate the change on which our planet depends.