Posted on November, 11 2015

GLAND, Switzerland – The world’s 20 largest economies must advance key policies to support an upcoming climate deal and the new sustainable development goals at the G20 Leaders Summit beginning 15 November. G20 countries represent the vast majority of global GDP, trade and population, and can only ensure economic and financial stability by investing in the environment.
 
The two-day meeting in Antalya, Turkey provides the chance for G20 countries – responsible for most of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions – to take immediate action to eliminate fossil fuel subsidies and work toward providing clean and renewable energy access for all. Getting rid of subsidies would save billions of dollars annually that can be better invested in renewables and energy access for the poor.
 
“Ahead of crucial climate negotiations in Paris, and following the historic approval of new sustainable development goals, it is critical that the G20 make good on pledges to take action on climate change and sustainable development,” said Marco Lambertini, Director General of WWF International. “Fulfilling G20 pledges on climate finance, fossil fuel subsidy reform and energy efficiency would provide strong momentum for the upcoming climate talks.”
 
Critical to reaching established climate goals, leaders should follow through on their commitment to further fund and operationalize the Green Climate Fund by mobilizing US$100 billion per year on climate finance by 2020. By comparison, governments spend an estimated US$600 billion per year in fossil fuel subsidies.
 
Many of the same G20 leaders will meet in Paris later this month to finalize a new global climate agreement. To have any chance at preventing the worst impacts of climate change, decisions taken in Paris must help further reduce global carbon emissions before the next agreement enters into force in 2020. The Paris agreement should also provide a mechanism for countries to improve commitments already made toward emissions reductions in the period after 2020.
 
“Turkey's G20 presidency is a unique opportunity for the country to assert leadership in fighting climate change,” said Tolga Baştak, CEO of WWF-Turkey. “Through phasing out its fossil fuel subsidies and initiating the transition to rapid uptake of its vast renewable energy and energy efficiency potential, Turkey can lead by example and be a model in achieving just transition for developing country economies.”
 
In addition to ongoing efforts against climate change, the G20 should voice strong support for the recently agreed 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The new sustainable development plan created goals to eliminate poverty; create food, energy and water security; establish sustainable production and consumption; protect biodiversity; and build green cities.
 
“The natural environment is essential to human well-being and livelihoods, yet it is under unprecedented strain from climate change and over-exploitation,” said Lambertini. “The G20 must fulfil its mission of ensuring economic and financial stability by conserving the planet’s natural systems through climate action and securing sustainable access to natural resources.”
 
The G20 is a critical forum to drive political momentum around reforming economic and financial incentives to a sustainable world. Leaders in Antalya should commit to integrating the sustainable development agenda into the group’s work plan and decision-making.