LONDON: UN climate chief Simon Stiell warned G20 nations on Wednesday that their economies face decimation unless they overcome geopolitical divisions and unite to address global warming.
Speaking in London, Stiell highlighted the urgency of the climate crisis amid a crowded global agenda, stressing the need for consensus on supporting developing nations in transitioning to clean energy and mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events.
While acknowledging the geopolitical challenges facing the G20, including nations like the United States, China, and India, Stiell emphasized that these obstacles should not serve as excuses for inaction. He urged against blame-shifting and sidelining climate issues, asserting that such approaches are inadequate responses to a crisis that threatens to devastate every G20 economy.
Stiell called for the mobilization of financial resources akin to those marshaled during the global financial crisis, directing them towards reducing emissions and enhancing resilience to climate-related challenges.
His remarks come on the heels of Europe’s climate monitor’s announcement that March marked the hottest on record, underscoring the persistent trend of historic heat worldwide.
The UN climate chief’s call for action follows discord at a G20 finance ministers’ meeting hosted by Brazil in February, where climate change discussions were overshadowed by conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
Stiell reiterated the urgent need for increased climate finance to facilitate the transition to clean energy, citing estimates that far exceed current levels of support provided by wealthy nations to poorer ones. He urged financial leaders convening at upcoming meetings to prioritize climate finance and avoid allowing it to fall through the cracks.
Stiell emphasized the importance of G20 nations taking decisive action to curb emissions and accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more resilient future. However, a report published by advocacy groups revealed that G20 economies and multilateral lenders have continued to invest heavily in fossil fuel projects, outpacing investments in clean energy initiatives.
Stiell called on finance ministers, investors, and development bankers to redirect funding away from outdated energy infrastructure towards sustainable alternatives.
