The Group of 20 (G20) major economies gathered in India for a crucial summit aimed at addressing climate change, but unfortunately, the meeting ended without a consensus on phasing down fossil fuels.
This outcome was due to objections raised by certain producer nations, resulting in disappointment and frustration among scientists and campaigners who have been urging for urgent action to combat global warming.
The recent spate of extreme weather events worldwide, from China to the United States, further emphasizes the severity of the climate crisis facing the entire planet.
The G20 member countries collectively contribute to more than three-quarters of global emissions and gross domestic product. As such, their collective efforts in decarbonizing hold immense importance in the global fight against climate change.
However, disagreements among the nations, including differing views on tripling renewable energy capacities by 2030, led to the issuance of an outcome statement and a chair summary rather than a joint communique at the conclusion of their four-day meeting in Bambolim, Goa, India.
Indian Power Minister R.K. Singh revealed that there was agreement on 22 out of 29 paragraphs, while seven paragraphs formed the Chair’s summary. Unfortunately, crucial sections, such as those urging developed countries to mobilize $100 billion per year for climate action in developing economies from 2020-2025 and the description of the war in Ukraine, remained unresolved.
The discussions primarily revolved around fossil fuel usage, but officials were unable to find common ground on curbing “unabated” use and disagreed on the language to describe emission reduction pathways.
A draft reviewed on Friday highlighted the significance of phasing down unabated fossil fuels in accordance with different national circumstances.
However, the final chair statement released on Saturday evening incorporated concerns from some member nations, who argued that abatement and removal technologies could address these issues.
According to Singh, some countries advocated for using carbon capture technology instead of phasing down fossil fuels, though he refrained from naming the countries involved.
Notably, major fossil fuel producers like Saudi Arabia, Russia, China, South Africa, and Indonesia have been vocal in their opposition to the goal of tripling renewable energy capacity within this decade.
As the summit concluded without achieving concrete steps to curb fossil fuel usage, the international community and concerned citizens are left grappling with the pressing challenge of mitigating climate change and its devastating impacts on our planet.
___
Please continue to read new articles here about merchandise assessed by Waytrade.
