novembro, 19 2024

The leaders of the more than 20 nations gathered in Rio de Janeiro between November 18 and 19, 2024 – a group that includes the largest economies on the planet – sent a strong signal not only to the negotiators of the UN climate conference who are meeting in the capital of Azerbaijan, but to governments and companies from all over the world.

The message was clear: move forward with the financing needed to address the climate emergency that is already punishing thousands of people north and south of the Equator. And it went further: in a pioneering way, the text presents a practical and feasible path to eradicate hunger on the planet, formalising the creation of a global alliance to achieve this target, which is the second Sustainable Development Goal for 2030. It also made progress in social justice by declaring the need to tax the ultra-rich.

In 50 paragraphs, the Declaration addresses key points for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Agreement on biodiversity. The defence of these agreements and of global negotiating structures, such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), are at the heart of the text and represent a strong defence of diplomacy and multilateralism. It is also worth highlighting the Social G20 and the spaces for civil society participation in multiple dialogue processes throughout the year, which certainly contributed to the final result.

The Brazilian presidency was also successful in highlighting the role of forests, indigenous peoples and local communities in combating the climate emergency and in pointing out the need for innovative financing mechanisms such as the TFFF (Tropical Forest Forever Facility). Another positive point was the endorsement of the principles of bioeconomy and the relevance of the oceans for sustainable development and tackling the climate crisis, stressing the need for adequate financing, efficient management and joint efforts for their conservation and sustainable use.

Although it recognises the importance of the transition in food systems, the text could have been bolder on the energy transition. Despite the commitment to triple investment in renewable sources and double resources for energy efficiency, there is no direct mention of the need to eliminate the production and consumption of fossil fuels to ensure a minimally safe climate for humanity. On this point, the text limits itself to “phasing out” and “rationalising” inefficient subsidies that encourage the consumption of fossil fuels.

The need for innovation in international financial structures is addressed, but there is no explicit mention of the pressing need to adapt these to the new climate reality. The text also does not specify the volume and origin of financing for the climate agenda.

Despite this, the declaration is a robust statement that is in line with the challenges of the 21st century. And the fact that consensus was reached among representatives from the most diverse political spectrums sends a strong signal to leaders around the world about the solidity of multilateralism and the commitments already made by global diplomacy.

The success of Brazil's leadership of the G20 also sends a favourable signal regarding the future conduct of climate negotiations next year, when Brazil will chair the Climate Conference. For 2025, South Africa is also expected to continue the social and environmental agendas and the strengthening of multilateralism contained in this year's G20 declaration.