Main points of story…
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres calls on the G20 nations to send a strong message on climate change at their summit. He urges the G20 to stop licensing or funding new fossil fuel projects and to uphold the goal of limiting global warming to 2.7 degrees Celsius as set in the Paris climate agreement. The UN climate agency has warned of a high chance of hitting a key warming limit within the next five years.
- Guterres emphasizes the need for additional efforts to cut emissions by big emitters and for rich countries to fulfill their climate finance commitments. He criticizes the lack of ambition, credibility, and urgency in the collective response to the climate crisis.
- The UN releases a technical report stating that global emissions are not in line with climate goals. Guterres calls on OECD nations to achieve net zero emissions by 2040 and emerging economies by 2050. Energy analysts highlight the importance of the G20 leaders taking action on Guterres’ suggestions regarding phasing out fossil fuels.