The recent meeting of G20 leaders has come under scrutiny for what some critics have deemed a lack of decisive action regarding the phase-out of fossil fuels, according to a report in the Financial Times. While there was consensus on tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030, a notable omission was the absence of a clear timeline for the cessation of fossil fuel use. Advocacy groups argue that this gap in the G20’s approach constitutes a significant shortcoming in addressing the pressing issue of climate change, given that fossil fuels remain the largest contributors to global warming.

The urgency of addressing this concern is underscored by the United Nations, which has repeatedly stressed the importance of reducing both the production and use of fossil fuels to align with climate goals. The G20’s inability to specify concrete actions in this regard has raised questions about the effectiveness of their climate commitments.

Attention is now turning towards the upcoming UN climate summit, COP28, where discussions surrounding the phase-out of all fossil fuels are anticipated. However, AP analysis highlights that geopolitical tensions could complicate efforts to reach a comprehensive agreement on this matter.

While the G20’s commitment to bolster renewable energy capacities has been met with approval, the lack of specific measures pertaining to fossil fuels has engendered concerns among environmentalists and climate advocates. The transition away from fossil fuels is widely regarded as a critical step towards mitigating the impacts of climate change, and the absence of a clear roadmap in this regard has left a significant gap in the G20’s climate agenda.