Leaders from around the world are gathering in New Delhi for the G20 summit, where experts are stressing the importance of ensuring consensus on Multilateral Development Bank (MDB) reforms and strong language on cutting unabated fossil fuels to take over. These measures are considered crucial to strengthening India’s leadership in global discussions on climate change.
G20 countries, which account for the bulk of global GDP and emissions, have failed to reach consensus at previous meetings on key issues such as reducing fossil fuels and providing low-cost financing to developing countries. These issues are critical to limiting global temperature rise and transitioning to renewable energy.
Although discussions on the energy transition and MDB reforms are complex and uncertain, there is optimism that leaders can find a minimum consensus at the summit to demonstrate unity. India is pushing for a deal to cut fossil fuels because it risks reversing the carbon-cutting phase agreed at last year’s Bali summit if it is not included in the final text.
During the G20 energy ministers’ meeting, Saudi Arabia rejected efforts to reduce fossil fuels, while G7 countries vowed to accelerate their phase-out. Sultan Al Jaber, the chairman of the upcoming UN climate talks, stressed that fossil fuel reductions are inevitable but require a significant increase in renewable energy capacity worldwide.
However, experts expect limited progress in discussions on fossil fuels at the G20 summit. Concerns about global progress and concrete actions in the areas of technology, hydrogen, the blue economy and the circular economy could hinder the adoption of additional language in the final text. It is unlikely that there will be any significant additions beyond what was agreed in Bali.
Given the great diversity within the G20, with countries such as India having significantly lower per capita emissions compared to countries such as the United States and Russia, any global targets set at the summit must take this differentiation into account and take into account the different circumstances. Global goals must also take into account the principles of justice and climate justice.
Developed countries are being urged to ensure that their renewable energy targets include fossil fuel phase-out and are not limited to additional energy needs. Greater ambition is needed, particularly as countries such as China, India and Brazil are among the largest users of non-fossil energy sources.
It is important to recognize that developing countries, including India, are committed to low-carbon development and have set ambitious renewable energy targets. To achieve these goals, a significant proportion of new renewable energy must come from developed countries and replace fossil fuels.
Financing for developing countries is another important aspect of the discussions, with a focus on MDB reforms. Significant progress in financing is required to send clear signals to the market and achieve climate goals. Failure to reach agreement on both fossil fuel reductions and financing at the G20 summit could complicate efforts at COP28.
Developing countries have expressed concerns about tripling renewable energy capacity without clarity on how to finance it. Experts point out that the funds allocated to these countries are mostly loans or investments and not subsidies. This poses a problem because the countries that need the financing most cannot afford to pay it.
In conclusion, ensuring consensus on MDB reforms and fossil fuel reduction at the G20 summit is critical for India to strengthen its leadership in global discussions on climate change. It is important that global goals take into account the differences between countries and take into account the principles of equity and climate justice. In addition, significant progress on financing must be made to achieve climate goals and ensure a just transition for developing countries.
