G20: France blames Russia for disagreements over fossil fuels

Deadlock over G20 energy agreement: France blames Russia, underscoring the urgency of climate change and the importance of COP 28 for a vital energy transition.

Share:

G20

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.

The European Commission is launching an alliance with member states and industrial players to secure the supply of critical chemicals, amid growing competition from the United States and China.
Trade between Russia and Saudi Arabia grew by over 60% in 2024 to surpass USD 3.8 billion, according to Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Anton Alikhanov, who outlined new avenues for industrial cooperation.
Meeting in Rio, BRICS nations urge global energy market stability, openly condemning Western sanctions and tariff mechanisms in a tense economic and geopolitical context.
Despite strong ties, Iran's dependence on oil revenues limits its ability to secure substantial strategic support from Russia and China amid current international and regional crises, according to several experts.
Egypt’s Electricity Minister engages in new talks with Envision Group, Windey, LONGi, China Energy, PowerChina, and ToNGWEI to boost local industry and attract investments in renewable energy.
The potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz places Gulf producers under intense pressure, highlighting their diplomatic and logistical limitations as a blockage threatens 20 million daily barrels of hydrocarbons destined for global markets.
Budapest and Bratislava jointly reject the European Commission's proposal to ban Russian energy supplies, highlighting significant economic risks and a direct threat to their energy security, days ahead of a key meeting.
Libya officially contests Greece's allocation of offshore oil permits, exacerbating regional tensions over disputed maritime areas south of Crete, rich in hydrocarbons and contested by several Mediterranean states.
Hungary, supported by Slovakia, strongly expresses opposition to the European Commission's plan to phase out imports of Russian energy resources, citing major economic and energy impacts for Central Europe.
Israeli military strikes on Iran's Natanz nuclear site destroyed critical electrical infrastructure but did not reach strategic underground facilities, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The French president travels to Nuuk on 15 June to support Greenlandic sovereignty, review energy projects and respond to recent US pressure, according to the Élysée.
Kazakhstan has selected Rosatom and China National Nuclear Corporation to build two nuclear power plants totaling 2.4 GW, a decision following a favorable referendum and coinciding with Xi Jinping’s upcoming strategic visit.
Israeli strikes against Iranian nuclear sites disrupt US-Iranian talks on the nuclear deal. Tehran now considers canceling the upcoming negotiation round in Oman, heightening regional economic concerns.
Facing alarming breaches of uranium enrichment thresholds by Iran and explicit existential threats, Israel launches targeted military strikes against Iranian nuclear infrastructure, escalating regional tensions dramatically.
The Kremlin has confirmed that Vladimir Putin aims to help resolve the nuclear dispute between the United States and Iran, leveraging strengthened strategic ties with Tehran.
President Lee Jae-myung adopts an energy diplomacy rooted in national interest, amid a complex international landscape of rivalries that could create challenging situations for the country and its energy businesses.
Paris and Warsaw held a bilateral workshop in Warsaw to strengthen coordination on electricity infrastructure investments and supply security under the Nancy Treaty.
Donald Trump firmly rejects any uranium enrichment by Iran, while Russia affirms Tehran’s right to civil nuclear power, intensifying tensions in negotiations over the Iranian nuclear program.
Syria has signed a $7bn agreement with a consortium of companies from Qatar, Turkey and the United States to rebuild its national power sector.
Friedrich Merz confirmed that Germany would block any attempt to relaunch the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, despite internal calls suggesting a potential reopening of dialogue with Moscow.