"International Criticism Mounts as UK's Climate Policy U-Turn Undermines Investment and Growth"

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has defended his government's decision to water down key U.K. climate policies, including delaying the ban on sales of new gas and diesel cars and phasing out gas boilers. Sunak argued that the changes were about being "pragmatic" and avoiding the "unacceptable cost" of net-zero commitments. However, his assertion that the U.K. would still meet its 2050 net-zero target was criticized by the government's own climate adviser. The move has faced backlash from climate activists, car manufacturers, and the energy industry, while international colleagues expressed "consternation." Sunak's pivot comes as extreme weather events linked to climate change are becoming more frequent and intense.