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Charting a Climate-Resilient Future:
The New Delhi Summit's Commitments and Global Unity

Zainab Bie, G20 Research Group
October 24, 2023

In 2023, under the leadership of India, the G20 embarked on a momentous journey centred on the theme of "One Earth, One Family, One Future." The 18th summit of the leaders of the G20 took place in September 2023, with New Delhi, India, as its host.

The G20, often regarded as the world's premier forum for international economic cooperation, holds a pivotal role in shaping and fortifying the global landscape of governance and economic collaboration. With its broad reach, the G20 addresses an array of critical international economic issues that affect countries around the globe.

One issue of paramount importance on the G20's docket, especially in 2023, was climate change. Collectively, the G20 members bear the weight of responsibility for roughly 80 percent of global emissions. The consensus within the G20 is clear – climate change necessitates global action. The members acknowledge the stark reality that global efforts and implementation to combat climate change have been inadequate to meet the Paris Agreement's temperature objectives. The Paris Agreement's aspiration is to curb the rise in global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with an even more ambitious target of limiting it to 1.5°C. Achieving the 1.5°C goal demands swift, profound and sustained reductions in global greenhouse gas emissions, aiming for a 43 percent reduction by 2030 relative to 2019 levels. In 2023, the G20 pledged to enhance the comprehensive and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement, particularly those temperature objectives. This commitment aligns with the principles of equity, the concept of common but differentiated responsibilities, and respective capabilities, all while taking into account the unique circumstances of individual countries.

As we delve deeper into the outcomes of the 2023 summit and the G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration, it becomes evident that this forum is not merely a platform for dialogue but a crucible for shaping our shared global future. Moreover, it offers a stage where the voices of the Global South find resonance, facilitating meaningful contributions to the world's development. In this unfolding narrative, G20 members have a pivotal role to play, not just in their economic capacities but as stewards of the planet we all call home.

The 2023 G20 summit delivered a series of key commitments, underscoring the urgency and gravity of addressing climate change. These commitments collectively represent a significant step towards a sustainable and climate-resilient future. Here are some of the pivotal commitments highlighted by the G20 in its communiqué.

Commitments to Delivering on Climate and Sustainable Finance

The commitment to set a new collective quantified goal of climate finance in 2024, starting from a floor of $100 billion annually, is a step forward in addressing the financing needs of climate action. This is a positive step considering that the $100 billion commitment has never been met. Additionally, Britain's commitment to provide $2 billion to the Green Climate Fund shows a significant contribution to helping developing countries cope with climate change. However, the challenge lies in ensuring that this financial support is sufficient and reaches the countries and projects that need it most.

Another commitment of great significance is the pledge to facilitate low-cost financing for developing countries in their transition to a low-carbon and low-emission future. However, while this commitment highlights the intention to support developing countries, it lacks concrete decisions on how to achieve this goal effectively.

In terms of feasibility, achieving these commitments will depend on the political will and cooperation of the G20 members. Challenges may arise in coordinating efforts and resources, particularly when considering different national circumstances and priorities. Additionally, tracking progress and holding nations accountable for their commitments will be crucial.

Approaches and Strategies to Address Critical Climate Issues

During the summit, several innovative approaches and strategies were reaffirmed to address critical climate issues:

These approaches and commitments demonstrate a comprehensive and evolving strategy to address climate change. They emphasize the importance of financial resources, innovative financing mechanisms and global collaboration in achieving climate goals. However, effective implementation and coordination will be key challenges in realizing these strategies.

Furthermore, the addition of the Africa Union as a permanent member of the Africa is a landmark development. Africa move recognizes the importance of Africa's role in the global economy and amplifies the voices of the Global South on the world stage. It is a positive step towards better representation and more inclusive decision making in global affairs.

The commitment to support Africa through initiatives such as the G20 Compact with Africa and the G20 initiative on supporting industrialization is commendable. It acknowledges the challenges faced by African countries and underscores the importance of collaboration between the G20 and regional partners.

Long-Term Impacts of the New Delhi Summit's Climate Commitments

The commitments made during the New Delhi Summit on climate change are poised to leave a lasting impact on various facets of the global landscape. As the world grapples with the urgent need to combat climate change, these commitments are likely to shape long-term trajectories in multiple ways:

Conclusion

These commitments reflect a recognition of the urgency of addressing climate change and the need for concerted global efforts. Challenges and complexities lie ahead in implementation, but the G20's leadership in charting a course toward a sustainable and climate-resilient future is a significant step forward in the fight against climate change.

In the wake of the G20's New Delhi Summit and its ground-breaking climate commitments, a beacon of hope emerges on the horizon. These pledges, born from global cooperation and the shared vision of a sustainable future, underscore the immense power of collaboration in addressing climate change. As we reflect on the promises made in New Delhi, let us not forget that our collective actions today will shape the world of tomorrow. The time for action is now. Let's seize this moment, stand together and forge a future where our planet thrives, and the legacy we leave behind is one of stewardship, resilience and unity in the face of the greatest challenge of our time.

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