G20 leaders are convening today in Rio de Janeiro under intense pressure to reach compromises on climate financing amidst ongoing divergences on Ukraine and the Middle East. This meeting comes ahead of former US President Donald Trump’s anticipated return to the White House.
Heads of state and government from the world’s most developed and emerging economies, including US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, aim to make progress on financial aid for developing nations tackling climate change.
Meanwhile, climate financing is also being debated at COP29 in Baku. However, after a week of discussions characterised by accusations, bluffs, and posturing, the conference has yielded no tangible outcomes.
“Let’s stop the theatrics and move on to serious matters,” said Simon Stiell, UN Climate Chief, earlier today following a Sunday recess.
Ministers arriving in Baku today have until Friday to reach an agreement.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged G20 leaders from Rio de Janeiro to assume their leadership responsibilities and make compromises to enable positive results at COP29.
The G20 bloc, comprising 19 countries, the European Union, and the African Union, represents 85% of global GDP and 80% of greenhouse gas emissions.
Simultaneously, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and Israel’s military actions in Gaza and Lebanon continue to divide the international community.
“Talks on Ukraine and the Middle East (…) are the most challenging. We will see how far we can go in the joint communiqué. It will be a challenge,” a German government source admitted ahead of the G20 summit.
Source: ANA-MPA
