UK and France Unite to Tackle Wildfires and Combat Climate Change: Joint Statement from Foreign Ministers

In light of the unprecedented wildfires and heatwaves currently sweeping across Europe, exacerbated by the global climate crisis, the Right Honourable Edward Samuel Miliband, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, alongside Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, has reiterated their shared commitment to combat this urgent threat. The Ministers have highlighted that the wildfires experienced this summer starkly illustrate the risks that climate change poses to Europe, urging all nations to escalate their efforts in addressing the root causes while enhancing resilience against its impacts.

Strengthening Cooperation on Climate Challenges

Building upon the UK–France Declaration of Intent on Global Issues and Development, signed in 2025, the two Ministers are dedicated to fortifying cooperation aimed at anticipating, preventing, and responding to climate-related hazards, particularly wildfires. They also emphasise the importance of deepening their collaborative efforts through a broader climate and environmental partnership, engaging actively within multilateral forums.

Recognising that the escalating effects of climate change transcend national borders, the United Kingdom and France are committed to advancing international initiatives focused on climate resilience. This includes the implementation of enhanced adaptation measures, bolstered preparedness, and risk reduction strategies, as well as coordinated responses to threats that jeopardise their shared environment, security, and prosperity.

Protecting Vulnerable Populations and Promoting Sustainable Finance

The Ministers have reaffirmed their dedication to safeguarding vulnerable populations through early warning systems, highlighting the CREWS initiative as a pivotal mechanism for achieving the UN Secretary-General’s vision of universal early-warning coverage under the Early Warnings for All initiative. They acknowledge the critical importance of establishing investment frameworks that facilitate sustainable finance, innovation, and competitiveness, while also recognising the significant role of international financial institutions and multilateral development banks in mobilising private finance to support climate action.

They contend that effectively addressing both the causes and consequences of climate change is vital to ensuring the security, stability, and resilience of societies for future generations. This commitment also plays a crucial role in securing energy supplies and addressing the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Commitment to Global Climate Agreements

Amidst increasing climate risks, the two Ministers have reiterated their support for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, along with its temperature objectives. They emphasise their resolve to uphold the role of science as a guiding principle in global climate and environmental initiatives, underscoring the significance of the IPCC’s Seventh Assessment Report as a fundamental contribution to the Second Global Stocktake.

In their call to action, the Ministers urge all parties, particularly major emitters, to fulfil their obligations as members of the Paris Agreement by publishing their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) aligned with the 1.5°C temperature goal. This should encompass all sectors and greenhouse gases while facilitating a transition away from fossil fuels, as adopted in the First Global Stocktake at COP28. They stress the necessity of enhancing synergies between the three Rio Conventions and commit to collaborative efforts in developing high-integrity carbon markets, which could unlock long-term investments for nature and biodiversity.

Encouraging Action on Methane Emissions

The Ministers have pledged to persist in their joint efforts to encourage major emitters to achieve their domestic climate targets and long-term low-carbon development strategies, striving for greater ambition. In alignment with the UN Secretary-General’s Call to Action on Methane, which was launched during London Climate Action Week, they aim to accelerate the reduction of methane emissions at COP31. This initiative will encourage all parties to collaborate in establishing a marketplace for fossil fuels that boasts near-zero methane intensity.