- G20 Environment Ministers commit to action against the
greatest environment challenges in G20 Communique
- Minister called for
no limit on ambition for nature’s recovery
- The G20 Environment Communique will drive action and raise
ambition ahead of COP26 and CBD COP15
- Action called for on habitat loss, land degradation, marine
plastic litter, sustainable water management and ocean health
Commitment to tackle climate change and halt biodiversity
loss by 2030 was reaffirmed by the UK Government yesterday
(Thursday 22 July) at the G20 Environment Ministerial held in
Naples, Italy.
Under Italy’s Presidency, members of the G20 and guest
countries met in a combined in-person and virtual event and
agreed the G20
Communique, committing to increase efforts to
address the interconnected challenges of climate change,
biodiversity loss and pollution.
In this crucial year for global action on the environment
and climate, the G20 set out their determination to step up
efforts to end illicit threats to nature including the illegal
wildlife trade and illegal logging.
The group called for action on habitat loss, land
degradation, marine plastic litter, sustainable water management
and ocean health. As part of this, G20 members who support
“30x30” - ensuring that at least 30% of land and at least 30% of
the global ocean are conserved or protected - and the Leaders’
Pledge for Nature encouraged others to make similarly ambitious
commitments.
called on all
countries to support efforts to increase the global protection of
land and ocean, and to agree ambitious outcomes at the CBD COP15
on the post 2020 Global biodiversity framework, including
supporting “30x30”.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of taking
action to tackle zoonotic disease risks, particularly in light of
Covid-19 and in line with a ‘One Health’ approach to emerging
diseases, including by tackling biodiversity and habitat
loss.
International Environment Minister
said:
“We must ensure that the decisions we take as we rebuild
our economies post- pandemic are completely aligned with our
stated commitments to tackle climate change and reverse
biodiversity loss.
“I am pleased the G20 reached agreement in Naples to take
further action against some of the greatest environmental
challenges, but that agreement must not be the limit of our
ambition, but rather a step towards addressing these interlinked
crises.
“I am proud of the leadership the UK is providing – through
our G7 and COP26 presidency, in partnership with Italy, and
beyond. Ahead of COP26 and CBD COP15, we will continue to press
countries to join us in ramping up efforts to protect and restore
nature.”
Yesterday's G20 Environment Ministerial Meeting came ahead
of the Energy and Climate Ministerial taking place today, Friday
23 July.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- Please find a link to the G20 Communique here.
- The G20 is an international forum for the governments of 19
countries and the European Union to discuss and agree action on
shared priorities.
- Members are: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, EU,
France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia,
Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, United Kingdom
and USA.
