New Delhi- In a momentous declaration, the G20 member states, collectively responsible for approximately 80% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, have committed to attaining net zero emissions by the mid-century mark. This commitment, reached following the resolution of contentious language concerning the Ukraine conflict, underscores the pressing need for accelerated climate action.
The G20, in its consensus declaration, acknowledged the insufficiency of global efforts to combat climate change in achieving the temperature objectives outlined in the Paris Agreement. The declaration reiterates the paramount goal of limiting the global average temperature increase to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with an aspiration to further restrict it to 1.5°C.
The document notably recognizes that restricting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius necessitates immediate and profound reductions in global greenhouse gas emissions. To achieve this, a reduction of 43% in global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, relative to 2019 levels, is imperative.
Moreover, the declaration aligns with the findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) AR6 Synthesis Report, which anticipates the peak of global greenhouse gas emissions between 2020 and the latest, by 2025, in scenarios compatible with a 1.5°C temperature increase.
The G20 member states reiterated their commitment to attain global net zero emissions and carbon neutrality by or around mid-century. This commitment is to be adapted to individual national circumstances and considers various approaches, encompassing circular carbon economy, socio-economic factors, technological advancements, and market dynamics.
The declaration emphasizes the imperative of tripling renewable energy capacity worldwide by 2030 and extending similar ambitions to other zero and low-emission technologies, including abatement and removal technologies, in accordance with each nation’s specific conditions.
A distinctive segment of the declaration highlights “Mainstreaming Lifestyles for Sustainable Development,” inspired by India’s “Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE)” initiative. The G20 affirms its commitment to implement high-level principles promoting sustainable lifestyles.
Additionally, the declaration acknowledges the launch of “Travel for Life,” an initiative fostering smart and efficient travel. It underscores the G20’s dedication to facilitating accessible, low-cost financing for energy transition in developing countries and calls for collaboration on civil nuclear energy deployment.
The G20 states pledge to intensify efforts to fulfill the 2009 Pittsburg commitment of G7 nations to phase out and streamline inefficient fossil fuel subsidies that encourage wasteful consumption.
Furthermore, the G20 reaffirms its dedication to transitioning to low-carbon energy systems, including the rapid expansion of clean power generation and renewable energy sources. It also places a strong emphasis on energy efficiency and the acceleration of efforts to phase down unabated coal usage.
On the critical matter of climate finance, the G20 asserts that developed nations anticipate meeting the long-awaited $100 billion goal this year. The declaration acknowledges the financial requirements, estimating $5.8-5.9 trillion for developing nations to implement their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) before 2030. Additionally, it recognizes the necessity of $4 trillion annually for clean energy technologies by 2030 to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
The G20 urges countries that have not yet aligned their NDCs with the Paris Agreement’s temperature objectives to review and enhance their 2030 targets by the end of 2023, factoring in unique national circumstances.
Aarti Khosla, Director of the research-based consulting and capacity building initiative Climate Trends, remarked that tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030 represents a substantial leap toward reducing emissions from the electricity sector. However, Khosla cautioned that the parallel commitment to abatement and removal technologies requires vigilant monitoring.
A delegate from a non-G20 country commented on the nuanced balance struck by India in referencing tripling renewable energy while addressing low or zero-carbon technologies. The delegate noted that while the declaration remains consistent, it might be considered less ambitious, as it lacks explicit statements regarding the phase-out or reduction of fossil fuels or emissions originating from fossil fuel sources. The absence of a clear commitment to peak emissions before 2025 was also observed, with these issues remaining unresolved during working group meetings and ministerial discussions.
