Portrait of David Cameron
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David Cameron on Climate Change

Shifting environmentalist (strong)

TL;DR

David Cameron initially championed an ambitious environmental agenda but later faced criticism for weakening green policies under economic pressure.

Key Points

  • He supported the creation of the world's first Green Investment Bank.

  • He claimed the government he led would be the “greenest government ever” following his time in opposition.

  • His government passed the 5th carbon budget, committing the UK to cutting 57% of emissions by 2030 in his final week in office.

Summary

David Cameron’s core position on Climate Change positioned it as one of the most serious global threats, necessitating an urgent, legally binding international deal, as articulated at the 2014 UN Climate Summit. His administration aimed to be the “greenest government ever,” citing the UK’s prior cutting of emissions by a quarter and the establishment of the world's first Green Investment Bank as evidence of his commitment. He stressed that green growth was compatible with economic prosperity and that developed nations must support developing countries in pursuing low-carbon development routes.

However, his record in government was marked by internal and external tension, causing an evolution in focus; critics noted a marked shift in rhetoric, including reported instructions to 'get rid of all the green crap' concerning energy bills. While his government legislated the UK’s 4th carbon budget, which committed to a 57% emission cut by 2030, policy actions like cutting solar incentives, scrapping zero-carbon home targets, and backtracking on onshore wind subsidies led to accusations that he prioritized economic and producer interests over earlier environmental pledges.

Frequently Asked Questions

David Cameron strongly viewed climate change as one of the most serious threats facing the world, supporting the need for urgent global action. He campaigned on the 'Vote Blue, Go Green' agenda while in opposition and promised the 'greenest government ever' upon entering office.

Yes, many reports suggest his government's focus shifted significantly once in power, with environmental policies being watered down or dropped. This was often attributed to internal Conservative Party dissent and a prioritization of economic concerns over green targets.

He was a vocal advocate for a new, ambitious, and legally binding global deal to be reached at the COP21 conference in Paris. David Cameron urged other countries to step up their ambition and take the necessary steps, as the UK had already legislated and invested domestically.