As we enter 2020 with bushfires devastating Australia and drought starving families in Guatemala, my article for The Observer explains why the UK government will be judged on its ability to secure an ambitious and effective deal to tackle the climate emergency. New Oxfam research reinforces why its right that rich countries like the UK take a lead – the average Brit will emit more carbon in first two weeks of 2020 than the citizens of seven African nations emit in an entire year. At the same time, it’s encouraging to see how many people are willing to make – and already making – changes to reduce their own carbon footprint. Will this be the year that leaders rise to the challenge, and set the world on a truly different course?
Observer Comment Is Free: The UK must lead the way on the climate emergency
5 January 2020 | Danny Sriskandarajah | Tags: climate,drought,flood,hunger,sustainable fashion
![Roel's story, Dry Corridor migration](https://danny.oxfam.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Dry-Corridor-migration-e1578411933369.jpg)