France accuses Russia of being responsible for the lack of agreement on the gradual reduction in the use of fossil fuels at the recent meeting of G20 energy ministers in India. The final declaration published on Saturday highlights the disagreements between members over the future of fossil fuels, and does not even mention coal, one of the main contributors to global warming, although it is now cited in COP and G7 decisions.
The climate showdown at the G20: Agnès Pannier-Runacher on the front line for the energy transition
Agnès Pannier-Runacher, the French Minister for Energy Transition, expressed her deep regret at the absence of a joint declaration at the end of the meeting, largely due to Russia’s position. France is part of a coalition of eighteen countries demanding an urgent phase-out of fossil fuels and a peak in greenhouse gas emissions by 2025, because it believes that “humanity cannot afford to wait”.
The French minister stresses that awareness and mobilization must be stepped up in the run-up to COP 28, as global temperatures are currently reaching record levels, leading to devastating heat waves, floods and fires.
The environmental issue is crucial, and the debates at the G20 meeting were marked by profound disagreements between member countries. While some countries are pressing for an accelerated transition to renewable energy sources, others, such as Russia, seem to be resisting such measures. This situation is alarming given the climate emergency facing the entire world.
G20: The crucial challenge of freeing ourselves from fossil fuels
Fossil fuels such as oil, gas and coal have long been the main drivers of the global economy, but they have also been responsible for increasing greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change. It is now essential that countries take concrete steps to reduce their dependence on these polluting and destructive energies.
France and other allied countries recognize the urgency of this situation and are calling for immediate action. The transition to clean, renewable energies must be accelerated, and investment in green technologies encouraged and supported. Greenhouse gas emissions must be significantly reduced to limit the impact of climate change on the planet.
Towards COP 28: A call for global collaboration to save the planet
The forthcoming COP 28 is a crucial opportunity for countries around the world to renew their commitment to environmental protection and take concrete action to achieve climate targets. It is imperative that countries put aside their differences and actively collaborate to preserve the future of the planet.
France and other countries in the coalition are calling for urgent action to move away from fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Russia is being blamed for the lack of agreement at the G20 meeting. Faced with the current climate crisis, it’s time for the nations of the world to work together to build a sustainable future and protect the planet from the devastating consequences of global warming. COP 28 represents an essential opportunity for nations to take decisive steps in this direction.
