Leaders from the G20 nations pledged to make reaching carbon neutrality a priority. Here’s the wrap-up of the last day of this year’s G20 summit.
G20 leaders and carbon neutrality
On Sunday, the last day of the G20 summit, leaders committed to reaching carbon neutrality “by or around mid-century”. However, this included no reference to a specific date. According to climate scientists, reaching net neutrality is vital in the battles against climate change. They also called for enforcing a “meaningful and effective” action plan for limiting global warming at 1.5 degrees Celcius.
Additionally, the communique retracted the references from the previous draft to the goal of refusing emissions significantly. But, in place of it, it states that reduction of emissions is one of the fastest, most feasible, and cost-effective ways for limiting climate change. We recognize that the impacts of climate change at 1.5°C are much lower than at 2°C. (veroinn.com) Keeping 1.5°C within reach will require meaningful and effective actions and commitment by all countries,” stated the communique.
Not just carbon: The fight against coal power
The last document also states that the current plans of curbing emissions will need strengthing “if necessary”. It also includes a pledge on halting the financing of coal-fired power generation by 2021. Nonetheless, it did not set specific targets domestically. This might change things for top carbon polluters such as India and China. Currently, Coal is one of the main sources of power generation in China. Previously both India and China have resisted attempts for G20’s declaration on phasing out the consumption of domestic coal.
“It is impossible not to hear the despairing voices of young people who see you as the stewards of the planet, holding the viability of their future in your hands,” stated Prince Charles to the leaders gathered in Rome. He also urged world leaders to put action on how they are going to tackle the climate crisis.