WIREDGOV

EXPERT COMMENT

With the G20 economies accounting for 80 per cent of global emissions, the G20 leaders’ summit in Rome is key to an ambitious outcome at COP26 in Glasgow.

The location of the 2021 G20 summit is heavy with symbolism. As world leaders fly into la città eterna, parallels with the last days of the Roman empire feel almost unavoidable – only this time human civilization stands on the brink of decimation by climate change.

As the climate crisis deepens, keeping warming to the crucial threshold of 1.5 degrees remains possible, but only just. Unprecedented action this decade is needed or there is little chance of avoiding the most catastrophic impacts of a changing climate.

That is why COP26, taking place right after the G20 leaders’ summit, is so important. The aim of the conference is not to broker a new international climate change treaty but to ensure the 1.5 degree target set out in the one the world already has – the 2015 Paris Agreement – stays within reach.

Click here to continue reading the full version of this Expert Comment on the Chatham House website.