U20 well-positioned to accelerate climate actions

Climate change poses a serious threat to our collective future. The G20, as the group of the most influential nations, has the power to steer the direction of our growth and development and build a safe and resilient world. Since cities contribute the most to Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, G20 nations need to kickstart their clean-up efforts within their urban centres. The role of the U20 engagement group and the collective efforts of cities in G20 nations are vital in mitigating and adapting to the challenges of a warming planet

As the world grapples with the urgent need to address climate change, G20 countries find themselves at the forefront of this mammoth challenge. Many countries in the group have already begun taking corrective measures, implementing innovative green infrastructure projects, increasing investments to boost renewable energy generation, and setting ambitious sustainability targets. On the global stage, G20 nations are highlighting initiatives, partnerships, and strategies that have the potential to reshape the path towards a sustainable future.

G20 nations must accelerate their climate actions, particularly within their cities. Consider the recent data: the top ten emitters in the world, excluding Iran, are G20 member nations, accounting for nearly 70 to 80 per cent of total emissions. Out of this, approximately 80 per cent of emissions originate from cities within these countries.

Given their substantial share of global wealth, the G20 nations are well-positioned to address this challenge. They have the necessary financial resources to invest in curbing temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Moreover, many countries in the group, including Indonesia, India, and several European Union nations, are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Hence, they must focus on mitigation and adaptation to evade impending dangers.

India features among the top three emitters, following China and the USA. However, India’s per capita emissions and its share in historical emissions are comparatively low. Let’s compare the latest per capita annual CO2 emissions. The USA stands at 15.9t, while India’s emissions are at 8.7t and historic emissions at 2.2t (refer to the graph for per capita emissions among the top 10 countries from 2001 to 2020). The ideal situation would be for every country to achieve net-zero emissions. However, this is not feasible in the near future, as many countries are still in the early stages of industrialization, particularly in Africa and Asia, and lack access to modern technology and resources.

Hence, the consideration of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) and climate equity comes into play. However, this does not mean any country can ignore the threat and shirk its responsibility. Climate equity calls for a fair distribution of the burdens and benefits of climate action, considering historical emissions, economic capacity, and social vulnerability. Countries with technology and resources must honour their commitment to providing financial and technological support to less advanced nations for mitigation and adaptation. Progress is being made, but the pace must be significantly accelerated. Each G20 country has a unique role to play in achieving climate equity. Some countries must focus on energy transition, while others must prioritize forest preservation and implement sustainable land-use practices. Yet, others need to address energy access challenges.

The U20 engagement group can intensify efforts by fostering strong engagement from cities in member nations. Municipalities can establish their ambitious climate targets, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing renewable energy use, or improving energy efficiency. By leading by example, they inspire other cities to follow suit and create a domino effect of climate action. The U20 platform should also be utilized for sharing best practices and providing technical assistance to other cities, accelerating their transition towards more sustainable urban development. Cities needing assistance should proactively engage with international platforms, such as the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, to showcase their climate initiatives, learn from others, and advocate for increased support and resources for global climate action. If cities in the South Asia region require assistance, they can contact AIILSG for support.

Cities in G20 countries play a critical role in shaping the global response to climate change. The time for climate action is now, and taking action at the local level will yield fruitful results. The U20 must seize this opportunity to make a lasting positive impact on our planet.