The world’s top leaders descend on Osaka for high-stakes G20 Summit
Leaders from the world’s largest economies will gather today and tomorrow in Osaka, Japan, for the Group of 20 (G20) Summit.
The situation with Iran, global trade, energy and climate change are set to be the main topics of discussion at this year’s summit, with the last being the most controversial. Tensions have flared between the US and Europe over the wording of the summit communique on combatting climate change.
Led by France, European representatives are pushing for language that supports the implementation of the 2015 Paris climate accord. Though the US is trying to downgrade such language, French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed not to accept any text that does not include mention of the agreement. The final text of the communique remains to be seen as negotiations between parties continue.
Despite the attention that climate change will get at this year’s summit, expect no unified commitment from the body to implement any serious or effective actions to combat global warming. With the US, China, India and Japan having all increased coal subsidies over the last five years, commitment to reducing carbon emissions remains low from the G20’s biggest players.
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