Image: ARUN SANKAR (AFP)
“The climate crisis is worsening dramatically – but the collective response lacks ambition, credibility and urgency,” said Guterres in a speech in the Indian capital New Delhi, where the summit of the most important industrialized and emerging countries is taking place this weekend.
Guterres called on the G20 to keep the Paris climate agreement’s “1.5 degree target” alive. “The climate crisis is spiraling out of control,” warned Guterres. The G20 states have a special responsibility. “Together, the G20 countries are responsible for 80 percent of global emissions. Half-hearted measures will not prevent complete climate collapse.”
A climate solidarity pact proposed by Guterres would require major greenhouse gas emitters to make additional efforts to reduce their emissions, and wealthier countries to support emerging economies in doing so. Guterres called the global financial architecture “outdated, dysfunctional and unfair” and said it needed deep, structural reform. “The same applies to the United Nations Security Council.”
Danger of increasing confrontation
There is a risk of increasing confrontation. “Our world is in a difficult moment of transformation.” The G20 could help accompany the transition to a multipolar order in the world. Host India primarily wants to strengthen the global south, he praised. “Our world is in a difficult moment of transition. The future is multipolar, but our multilateral institutions reflect a bygone era.”
The G20 countries are struggling to reach a joint final declaration. According to European diplomats, Russia, Saudi Arabia, but also China and India want to relax climate protection obligations. Host India is primarily trying to include the G20 states Russia and China in the final declaration. This is particularly sensitive in view of the fact that Western states are calling for a condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine in the G20 statement, as Indian government members made clear this week. EU Council President Charles Michel said it was difficult to predict whether leaders could agree on a joint final declaration.
The presidents of Russia and China, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, have canceled their participation in the meeting. Putin will be represented by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Xi will be represented by Prime Minister Li Qiang. Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) is taking part in the summit, he is accompanied by Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP).
Source: Nachrichten
