UK Names First Climate Security Envoy

At the COP31 climate summit in Antalya, the United Kingdom appointed Madeleine Alessandri as its first special representative for climate security, with a mandate to advance climate and nature security and advise ministers. The move reflects growing concern that climate-driven damage to ecosystems and extreme weather can disrupt food supplies, increase economic and social instability, and contribute to conflict and migration; Britain imports about 40% of its food. Leaders from vulnerable island nations said rising seas, storms and floods threaten their survival, and called for faster emissions cuts and stronger support for countries facing climate-related losses. Climate advocates, including Greenpeace UK, argued that the government must match its rhetoric with stronger action, while island representatives warned that climate recovery should not deepen debt or undermine development.