The G20 summit held in Rio de Janeiro on November 18, 2024, concluded with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva emphasizing the urgent need for action on climate change, global health, and women's rights. Lula remarked, 'We only scratched the surface of the deep challenges the world has to face,' highlighting the summit's focus on pressing global issues [7ef7a86e].
The summit coincided with COP29 in Azerbaijan, with Brazil set to host COP30 in 2025. Lula pointed to Brazil's achievements, including a 45% reduction in deforestation and a commitment to reduce emissions by 67% by 2035, as part of the country's efforts to combat climate change [7ef7a86e].
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also stressed the necessity for climate finance, calling for at least $1 trillion to support developing nations in their climate initiatives. This appeal is particularly pertinent as G20 nations contribute to 85% of the world’s economy and 80% of global emissions [87dc438d].
Tensions were palpable during the summit, especially with the re-election of Donald Trump, whose previous administration had withdrawn from the Paris Agreement. This raised concerns about U.S. climate funding and global cooperation. President Biden's commitment to support Ukraine and address food insecurity was juxtaposed against criticisms of his administration's handling of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza [8941bfe4].
The leaders' declaration, released early, addressed gender equality and ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, reflecting a broader commitment to inclusive policies. Lula's Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty gained support from 82 countries, showcasing a collective effort to tackle hunger and poverty on a global scale [7ef7a86e].
As the summit drew to a close, Lula handed over the G20 presidency to South Africa, which will focus on inclusive economic growth and food security in 2025. The discussions also included a proposed global tax on the super-rich aimed at addressing income inequality and funding climate initiatives, although this faced opposition from U.S. and UK officials [dd563626].
The summit served as a stark reminder of the failures of capitalist governments to adequately address pressing social needs, fueling growing calls for a revolutionary overhaul of the current economic system to effectively respond to the crises facing the world today [8941bfe4].