Britain has appointed the world's first special representative for climate security, with former intelligence chief Dame Madeleine Alessandri taking on the new role. Prime Minister Andy Burnham is announcing the appointment as he addresses the COP31 climate summit in Antalya, Turkey, on Thursday.

The government said the post, the first of its kind anywhere in the world, will advise Downing Street on the national security risks flowing from climate breakdown. Alessandri previously chaired the Joint Intelligence Committee, the body that brings together security assessments for ministers.

Spotting risks before they become crises

Her brief is to strengthen international partnerships and make sure climate and nature risks are treated as a matter of national security, with a focus on identifying dangers before they develop into full-blown crises. A Joint Intelligence Committee assessment prepared under her leadership warned that the UK could begin experiencing national security consequences within five years as ecosystems overseas collapse.

Mr Burnham, the only G7 leader addressing the summit, is expected to tell delegates that the climate crisis is already here. He will point to a summer of extreme heat, wildfires and drought, saying: "We should all recognise the summer was not normal. The climate crisis is upon all of us now."

Net zero commitment restated

The Prime Minister is also set to restate the UK's commitment to reaching net zero by 2050 and to stronger international cooperation on clean energy. The United States has declined to send a delegation to the summit for a second year running. Reuters first reported the appointment on Wednesday, and PA Media confirmed the details of Mr Burnham's COP31 address.