Boris Johnson slams major countries for lack of climate change action
today lashed out at the world's leading economic nations as he accused them of doing 'nowhere near enough' to tackle . The Prime Minister said he was 'increasingly frustrated' at the 'vast' gap between promises and action. Addressing a roundtable at the General Assembly in New York, Mr Johnson said 'too many major economies... are lagging too far behind' when it comes to reducing harmful emissions. The comments came as the UK prepares to host the crunch UN Cop26 climate change summit in in November. Later, speaking to reporters in New York he stressed the need for wealthy countries to cough up. 'It is the developing world that is bearing the brunt of catastrophic climate change in the form of hurricanes and fires and floods and the real long-term economic damage that they face,' he said. 'And yet it's the developed world that over 200 years has put the carbon in the atmosphere that is causing this acceleration of climate change. So it really is up to us to help them.' The Prime Minister said 'the arguments were made very powerfully' and 'we will have to see where we get to' in efforts to secure commitments to donate 100 billion dollars (73 billion) a year in support to developing nations to cut their carbon emissions and protect themselves against environmental change. Mr Johnson had told the roundtable event which he co-hosted that 'everyone nods and we all agree that something must be done' when world leaders meet to discuss the issue. But he added: 'Yet I confess I'm increasingly frustrated that the 'something' to which many of you have committed is nowhere near enough. 'It is the biggest economies in the world that are causing the problem, while the smallest suffer the worst consequences. 'And while progress is being made all over the world, the gulf between what has been promised, what is actually being delivered, and what needs to happen... it remains vast. 'Too many major economies some represented here today, some absent are lagging too far behind.' Mr Johnson yesterday conceded he only has a 'six out of 10' chance of persuading world leaders to hit a key pledge before the UK hosts the Cop26 summit. The Prime Minister accepted it will be 'tough' to get allies to live up to their promise to give 100 billion dollars (73 billion) a year in support to developing nations to cut their carbon emissions. Downing Street has said developed countries have 'collectively failed' on their 100 billion dollar target, with OECD figures last week showing that only 79.6 billion dollars in climate finance was mobilised in 2019. Mr Johnson was doubtful over whether he would be able to get leaders to hit the target by Cop26 as he urged them to 'step up to the plate' and part with more cash. 'I think getting it all done this week is going to be a stretch,' he told reporters on RAF Voyager, during the flight to New York. 'But I think getting it all done by Cop, six out of 10. It's going to be tough but people need to understand that this is crucial for the world.' Joe Biden's climate envoy, John Kerry, raised hopes that the target will be met, as he hinted that the US President could soon announce more money. Mr Kerry told Sky News in New York: 'I think we're going to get it done by Cop and the US will do its part.' Asked if Mr Biden will announce more funds this week, he said: 'I'm not hoping... I'm telling you to stay tuned into the president's speech and we'll see where we are.' Cop26 President Alok Sharma travelled to New York with the Prime Minister after having earlier revealed that Chinese President Xi Jinping still has not committed to attending the climate conference. Mr Johnson told reporters: 'Alok, who's on the plane, has had some great conversations already with his Chinese counterparts about the things they want to do. 'I think China is massively important to this and I think China shows real signs of making progress.'