G20 nations backtrack on fossil fuel commitments at Cop28 talks

At the G20 climate talks in Rio de Janeiro, ministers from major economies, including the US, UK, China, and India, are facing criticism for omitting a crucial pledge to transition away from fossil fuels from their draft resolutions. This commitment, which emerged from the UN Cop28 climate summit in Dubai last year, marked a significant shift in addressing the root cause of climate change. The initial draft of the G20 communique included this pledge, but recent revisions have replaced it with vague references to the goals set forth in the Cop28 outcome. Campaigners express concern that this omission signals a backtrack on climate commitments, particularly as countries like Saudi Arabia attempt to reinterpret the pledge as merely one of many options rather than a necessity. The G20 meetings are seen as a pivotal moment for consolidating progress made in previous climate discussions and pushing for concrete actions against fossil fuel dependency. Experts warn that without a clear commitment to address fossil fuel use, global efforts to limit warming will falter. The G20's reluctance to reaffirm its responsibilities in divesting from fossil fuels could hinder the transition to renewable energy and sustainable practices, especially in developing nations. The urgency of climate impacts and the rising costs of inaction underscore the need for decisive leadership from these nations. As the G20 leaders prepare to meet in November, geopolitical issues may overshadow climate discussions. However, the Brazilian presidency under Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva emphasizes economic justice, which could influence the direction of the talks and the future of global climate commitments.