Brazil’s President Lula urges G20 countries to expedite their climate neutrality targets, stressing the importance of collective responsibility. He highlights that developed nations must acknowledge their historical emissions and enhance their Nationally Determined Contributions to align with global climate goals, while underlining the ongoing climate crisis and the necessity for international cooperation.
During a recent G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio da Silva urged developed nations to accelerate their climate neutrality goals by advancing their targets from 2050 to as early as 2040 or 2045. He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts in addressing climate change, stating, “Even if we’re not moving at the same speed, we can all take a step forward.” President Lula highlighted the historical responsibility of wealthier countries, advocating for greater actions to mitigate global warming. He pointed out that developed countries should take accountability for their long-standing greenhouse gas emissions, asserting that their credibility to demand ambitious climate measures from others was contingent on acknowledging their previous responsibilities. Lula noted that previous international climate agreements have not yielded sufficient results to combat current environmental crises. He called for a united commitment from G20 member states, which collectively account for a significant portion of global emissions, to enhance the ambition of their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in alignment with the 1.5ºC temperature goal set by the Paris Agreement. The Brazilian president announced Brazil’s new comprehensive NDC, which encompasses all economic sectors and greenhouse gases. He expressed pride in Brazil’s renewable energy capacity, stating, “We are champions in biofuels…” Moreover, he announced that Brazil’s progress in reducing emissions would be largely due to a significant decrease in deforestation. Lula reiterated the importance of international cooperation in forest conservation and the recognition of indigenous peoples’ contributions to climate efforts, mentioning the Tropical Forests Forever Fund as a collaborative effort to reward nations that preserve their forests. He emphasized that mere conservation efforts will be ineffective if global warming is not adequately addressed. Addressing the topic of misinformation surrounding climate change, he highlighted Brazil’s initiatives in partnership with the UN and UNESCO to promote information integrity. Furthermore, he underscored the necessity for rich nations to fulfill their financial commitments to developing countries to effectively combat climate change, suggesting that billions must be redirected from military spending to climate actions. As he highlighted the urgency of the climate crisis, Lula warned that the forthcoming COP30 conference in Belém, Brazil, will be crucial for making impactful progress in the fight against climate change. He proposed establishing a Climate Change Council at the UN to consolidate various efforts and encourage stronger global cooperation in this critical area. In conclusion, President Lula’s addresses at the G20 summit reflect a clarion call for developed nations to assume primary responsibility for climate action and work collaboratively towards ambitious targets to safeguard the planet for future generations.
The G20 Summit is a significant international forum that includes twenty major economies, accounting for a substantial portion of global emissions and economic output. Amid increasing climate challenges—such as extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and environmental degradation—developed countries are pressured to uphold commitments made in previous climate accords. Brazil’s involvement as a prominent emerging economy places it in a strategic position to call for greater accountability and collaboration within the G20 framework regarding global climate initiatives.
In summary, President Luiz Inácio da Silva’s statements at the G20 summit emphasized the urgency for developed nations to enhance their climate action commitments. He articulated the necessity for collective accountability, calling upon wealthier countries to lead by example, especially concerning historical emissions. His proposals for more ambitious NDCs and greater international cooperation highlight the critical need for significant, immediate action to avert catastrophic climate consequences.
Original Source: en.mercopress.com
