Power and transport most urgent in G20 country climate action – report

Power generation from coal, oil and gas, and transport produce the largest share of emissions in the vast majority of G20 countries and none of these economies’ climate pledges are on a 1.5˚C-compatible pathway, according to the Brown to Green Report 2018, compiled by Climate Transparency, an international partnership of climate research organisations and NGOs. The report evaluates the G20 countries’ individual transition to a low-carbon economy, for example regarding emissions reductions, climate policy, finance, and decarbonisation. The G20 are responsible for about 80 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Germany received a mixed rating. The report criticises recent policy developments, such as projections that Germany will likely miss its 2020 climate target, or the government blocking more ambitious CO₂ limits for cars at the EU level, but positively assesses the launch of Germany’s coal exit commission. While Germany has among the highest building emissions per capita, it counterbalances these with 1.5°C-compatible policies and is thus rated “frontrunner” in this sector. From 30 November to 1 December, Argentina will host this year’s G20 summit.

Find the report in English here, Germany’s country profile in English here, and the report’s online presentation in English here.

See the CLEW dossier The energy transition and climate change for background.