AT DELHI SUMMIT, DEMONSTRATE CLIMATE LEADERSHIP

1. Advancing Just Energy Transitions: The G-20 Imperative

• Over the past decade, India's remarkable strides have positioned it as the world's third-largest renewable energy producer.
• With ambitious targets in place to further expand its renewable energy capacity and to achieve 50% of energy production from renewables by 2030, the urgency for governments to drive substantial change has never been greater.
• The global carbon budget is depleting faster than anticipated, making it imperative for the G-20 countries to take substantial actions that align with this pressing reality.

2. Establishing Inclusive Governance Structures

• At both the national and local levels, G-20 nations must revamp their governance processes to facilitate equitable and just energy transitions.
• A key facet involves establishing robust governance structures that foster inclusivity and prevent compartmentalization.
• Ministries and governmental tiers must delineate their responsibilities and collaborate seamlessly, culminating in comprehensive delivery plans that attract investment.
• Traditional progress markers, such as job creation and economic growth, should expand to encompass job quality, accessibility, community resilience, and innovation.
• Taking inspiration from successful models like South Africa's Presidential Climate Commission-led just transition framework, G-20 members should craft their own actionable roadmaps or frameworks.

3. Catalyzing Decarbonization

• Recognizing the Indian G-20 presidency's acknowledgment, the transition toward renewables must also be perceived as a means to diversify economies, thereby safeguarding long-term stability, livelihoods, and revenue streams.
• International financial institutions hold a pivotal role in expediting the deployment of renewable energy and grid infrastructure while promoting energy efficiency and low-carbon industrial technologies.
• The burgeoning demand for green steel, a prime example, necessitates a shift to low-carbon production pathways.
• By leveraging their collective sway, G-20 nations, which represent the lion's share of global steel production and consumption, can induce considerable progress in global low-carbon steel production.
• Empowering international financial institutions to invest in developing and emerging economies' green steel transitions will be pivotal.

4. Enhancing Transparency

• A central G-20 role lies in harmonizing international endeavors for just energy transitions, underscored by enhanced transparency and accountability.
• This could materialize through disclosure mechanisms for energy transition data via existing platforms like the G-20 Energy Transitions and Sustainable Finance Working Groups and the Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JET-Ps).
• Additionally, encouraging transparency from fossil-fuel-producing countries about their oil, gas, and coal plans vis-à-vis climate goals is crucial.
• A collective effort is needed to streamline these processes for mutual benefit and a shared commitment to positive outcomes.

• The G-20's stance on international energy transitions needs to be transformative and unified. The recent G-20 Energy Transition Ministers' meeting highlighted the call for "Just, Affordable, and Inclusive Energy Transition Pathways."
• However, achieving such pathways necessitates resolute and collaborative action by G-20 countries. Their journey towards net-zero ambitions should be competitive yet harmonized, ensuring that all countries and communities advance together.

6. The Imperative G-20 Summit

• The upcoming G-20 summit in New Delhi presents a pivotal juncture for global leaders to embrace a forceful declaration that commits to shared ambitions in tackling climate change.
• In light of the increasingly evident ravages of climate change, time is undeniably of the essence.
• The G-20's role as a unified force for change is indispensable in curbing the looming environmental crisis and securing a sustainable future for all.

7. Conclusion

As the world hurtles towards a critical crossroads in the fight against climate change, the actions of the G-20 countries take on paramount importance. India's commendable progress in renewable energy underscores the potential for transformative change, but the urgency of the situation demands a united and resolute front. The G-20 must heed the call for just energy transitions, underpinned by clear governance structures, accelerated decarbonization, and heightened transparency.