Tackling climate change and mitigating its effects for the world’s poorest are among the most critical challenges the world faces. That is why I will join other world leaders gathering in Paris today for the One Planet Summit.

There is a clear moral imperative for developed economies such as the UK to help those around the world who stand to lose most from the consequences of manmade climate change. But by putting the UK at the forefront of efforts to cut carbon emissions and develop clean energy, we can also make the most of new economic opportunities. And by taking action to create a secure natural environment, we are fulfilling a duty we owe to the next generation.

Britain has always led the way in facing up to these challenges. But only through collective international action can we succeed in keeping temperature rises within manageable levels. The landmark 2015 Paris agreement represented the world’s collective determination to protect our planet for the future, and I am proud that the UK ratified this agreement in 2016. This week, I am setting out further action the UK will take.

We also stand firmly with those who find themselves on the frontline of rising sea levels and extreme weather

We have already made huge progress. Since 2012, the carbon-intensity of UK electricity fell by more than twice that of any other major economy. Last year the UK succeeded in decarbonising at a faster rate than any other G20 country. Our low-carbon sector is growing rapidly, with over 430,000 jobs in low-carbon businesses and their supply chains across the UK. Investment in clean power has also driven up the percentage of our electricity generated by renewables to a greater amount than coal.

Burning coal to generate electricity is one of the dirtiest and most destructive ways of generating power. In September I confirmed that we would phase out unabated coal-fired power generation by 2025. More and more businesses are coming to recognise the enormous commercial opportunity that this represents. This week more than 20 new partners – including Sweden, California and large businesses such as EDF – have joined the alliance, committing to the shared goals of ending coal power and switching to cleaner sources of energy.

Clean energy is already an easier, cheaper and safer option than coal in many of the poorest countries. y adopting 21st-century methods such as solar and wind power and energy storage, developing economies can today leapfrog the dirty technologies of the past.

Next autumn the UK will demonstrate our global leadership in clean transportation when we host a ground-breaking zero-emission vehicle summit. Seizing the opportunities presented by the shift to clean growth is at the heart of our industrial strategy. We will secure the UK’s position at the forefront of emerging green technologies, and help to deliver good quality jobs across the country. Locking in clean and sustainable economic growth while protecting our planet for the next generation will remain twin objectives for government and for business in the years ahead.

As well as our action at home, we also stand firmly with those who find themselves on the frontline of rising sea levels and extreme weather. This year has brought to life the devastating impact that such extreme weather events can have, from hurricanes in the Caribbean to flooding in India and Bangladesh.

Images from a Warming Planet - the UK in pictures Read more

The UK is already working closely with countries in the Caribbean, Asia and Africa to build resilience against natural disasters and climate extremes and we will provide an additional £53m funding to extend this work. Many of the small island states that are threatened by rising sea levels are members of the Commonwealth, so when the UK chairs next year’s Commonwealth summit, we will make climate a major focus of discussion and further action.

By maintaining our commitment to tackling climate change and its effects, the UK can build a clean, green economy which is fit for the future and by so doing, protect and enhance our natural environment for the next generation.

• Theresa May is the British prime minister and leader of the Conservative party. She has been the Conservative MP for Maidenhead since 1997