The omission of any reference to a fossil fuel phase-out in the G20 leaders’ declaration from Brazil has resulted in great heartburn at COP29 meeting, triggering fears that a similar approach could be attempted in the final outcome here as well.
That could undo a very significant, though symbolic, victory that was achieved in Dubai at last year’s climate conference.
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In the final agreement at COP28 in Dubai, countries had agreed to transition away from fossil fuels, the primary reason for global warming. This was the first time in the 30 years of climate negotiations that a mention of fossil fuels was made in any of the hundreds of decisions at the annual conferences.
The G20 leaders’ declaration supported the agreement reached in Dubai but it ignored the mention of phasing out fossil fuels.
“World leaders at the G20 Summit displayed a stark failure in leadership, neglecting to reaffirm their commitment to transitioning away from fossil fuels, a critical pivot for global climate action. Their rehashed rhetoric offers no solace for the fraught COP29 negotiations,” said Harjeet Singh, veteran climate campaigner and Global Engagement Director for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative.
The G20 leaders’ declaration supported the agreement reached in Dubai but it ignored the mention of phasing out fossil fuels. 
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