The G20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, held on September 9 and 10, highlighted climate change as a central global concern. The New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration emphasized key outcomes, including the Green Development Pact, reforms for multilateral development banks, and the launch of the Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA). The Declaration called for an inclusive transition to sustainable energy, accelerated progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), urban development resilience, disaster risk mitigation, and infrastructure resilience. While affirming a commitment to achieving global carbon neutrality by mid-century, it lacked specific commitments to end new coal power plant construction. The financial dialogue shifted toward resilience and adaptation, estimating substantial funding needs for developing countries.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA): The GBA is an initiative proposed by India to unite governments, international organizations, and industry for the promotion of biofuels. It aims to facilitate the adoption of biofuels to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable energy sources.
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDGs are a set of global goals established by the United Nations to address various social and environmental challenges, including poverty, inequality, and climate change, by 2030.
- Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs): MDBs are financial institutions that provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries for projects and initiatives aimed at promoting economic development, infrastructure, and poverty reduction.
- Carbon Neutrality: Carbon neutrality, also known as net-zero emissions, refers to the balance between the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere and the amount removed or offset, resulting in no net increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide.
- Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): NDCs are pledges made by countries under the Paris Agreement to outline their individual climate action plans and emission reduction targets. These commitments are essential for global efforts to combat climate change.
