UK PM announces climate security envoy to tackle 'national security issue' at COP31

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced the appointment of the world's first UK special representative for "climate security" at the COP31 climate summit in Antalya of Turkiye. 

Andy Burnham, UK Prime Minister said  "Climate leadership and action have become more urgent. Britain will answer the call. Climate is a national security issue. As evidence of that, I am today announcing the appointment of Dame Madeleine Alessandri as the first UK Special Representative for Climate Security." 

The appointment follows the UK and western Europe experiencing their hottest summer on record, marked by severe wildfires and heatwaves. Burnham also noted that the UK will prioritize climate resilience when it assumes the G20 presidency next year.