Iowa Global Warming Campaign News

Climate Discussed at G-20 Summit

Friday, April 3rd, 2009 at 12:19 pm

Climate was part of the discussion at the G-20 Leaders’ Summit on Financial Markets and the World Economy in London Wednesday. The first summit, which was held in Washington D.C. in November made little mention of climate issues, but G-20 leaders at the London summit wanted to take the opportunity to outline some concerns that will be addressed at the United Nations Climate Change conference in Copenhagen in December.

Though it only comprised two of the 29 points in the final communiqué, the environment and how it is connected to financial issues was a concern to the G-20 countries represented. Discussion was not specific, but centered on the necessity of an agreement in Copenhagen. President Obama highlighted the need for the US to serve as a leader with regard to climate.

Though there was some criticism of the lack of specificity concerning climate issues, many feel it was a great step forward that climate was discussed at all at a summit centered on the economy. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown stressed the importance of “working together” in Copenhagen “based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.”

Read more here