G20 leaders reaffirmed a bold aim: to triple the world’s renewable energy capacity before 2030. This commitment appears in the declaration released during the New Delhi summit on a recent Saturday. Yet the document provides few concrete steps for turning that ambition into action and remains cautious about scrapping current oil and gas subsidies.
In the capital city of India, the statement pledges, “We will strive and encourage to triple the global renewable energy capacity with current targets and policies.” It notes the plan should align with national conditions and remains operative through 2030 as long as those conditions hold.
The G20 also pledged to accelerate energy technologies and to improve developing countries’ access to low-cost financing for clean and sustainable energy investments. It calls for phasing out and rationalizing inefficient subsidies for fossil fuels in the medium term.
The countries that pollute the world the most
Climate action emerged as a central theme of the summit, with a spotlight on the members responsible for the bulk of global emissions. Their collective influence shapes both challenges and opportunities in the global effort to curb warming.
The summit faced scrutiny over whether the G20 can commit to tripling renewable capacity by 2030 given the currently available policies and targets. Critics noted strong rhetoric but questioned the timeline and the mechanisms for accountability.
G20 economies account for roughly 90% of global GDP and about 80% of CO2 emissions, which positions them as pivotal players in both reducing fossil fuel output and supporting energy transitions for less developed nations.
Experts note that practical measures could include setting a clear deadline to begin reducing all fossil fuels, paired with policy clarity and financial incentives for rapid deployment of clean energy.
In a keynote at the summit, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva urged wealthier nations to deepen their commitment to mitigating climate risks, stressing accountability for those most responsible for historical emissions.
“Those who have historically contributed most to global warming should bear a larger share of the responsibility,” Lula stated, reminding the international community of previously pledged climate finance targets and the need for renewed ambition.
…
To keep momentum, policy experts recommend transparent milestones, robust climate finance, and practical pathways for developing regions to access affordable technology and knowledge transfer. The aim is to bridge the gap between aspiration and implementation while ensuring a fair transition for all economies.
Contact address of the environmental department: [redacted] for inquiries and policy updates.