G20 Commits to Triple Renewable Energy Capacity by 2030, but Major Climate Goals Remain Unset

New Delhi, India (Natural Energy News): In a significant development, G20 leaders have agreed to pursue a global tripling of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and acknowledge the necessity of phasing down unabated coal power. However, the summit fell short of establishing major climate goals, highlighting ongoing disagreements among the world's major economies.

While the G20 countries collectively account for more than 80% of global emissions, finding consensus on commitments to reduce fossil fuel usage, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and boost renewable energy targets has proven challenging.

One contentious point of contention was the Western countries' proposal to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2035. This proposal faced opposition from Russia, China, Saudi Arabia, and India during sherpa-level meetings, according to officials.

The final declaration adopted by G20 leaders on the summit's first day in New Delhi did not explicitly mention reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Instead, it stated that member nations "will pursue and encourage efforts to triple renewable energy capacity globally ... in line with national circumstances by 2030."

The G20's role in collectively decarbonizing is crucial in the global fight against climate change, with the outcomes of these climate talks being closely watched worldwide in anticipation of the COP28 U.N. climate summit scheduled for later this year in the United Arab Emirates.

Regarding the phasing down of fossil fuels, the declaration recognized the importance of accelerating measures to transition to low-emission energy systems, including the phasedown of unabated coal power, in alignment with national circumstances.

Notably, the declaration did not commit to achieving net-zero emissions before 2050, a target that G7 nations had been advocating for. Instead, it reiterated a commitment to achieving global net-zero greenhouse gas emissions or carbon neutrality "by or around mid-century," with consideration of the latest scientific developments and national circumstances.

Additionally, the declaration underscored the need to provide affordable and sustainable financing to developing nations to support their transition toward lower emissions, emphasizing the importance of global cooperation in addressing the climate crisis.

As the world grapples with the urgency of climate action, the G20's ability to bridge its differences and take concrete steps toward a more sustainable future remains a topic of international concern and scrutiny.