Stephen Jewkes and Gavin Jones

ROME (Reuters – Sources familiar with negotiations indicated that the Group of 20 wealthy countries is divided on how to phase out coal use and limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. They are preparing for a key summit next week in Rome.

Rome G20 meeting on October 30-31 will focus on curbing emissions. It is seen as a key steppingstone to broader United Nations talks on climate, called COP 26. The Rome G20 meeting in Glasgow, Scotland, takes place from Oct. 30-31.

Three sources claim that big polluters, such as India and China, have remained steadfast since G20’s meeting in Naples, July. They also said little has changed in the meantime, citing three sources who declined to identify themselves due to the sensitive nature of the discussions.

One source said that “Countries aren’t moving at the moment, they are just trying to make sure their positions get heard loudly and clear.”

He said that this intransigence is normal at this point and that any concessions are unlikely to be made before G20 climate sherpas face-to-face next week, just before their weekend leaders meeting.

According to another source, G20 minister, “Where do I see the problem?”

The energy and environment ministers in Naples acknowledged the necessity of keeping global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius, but failed to take a firm commitment.

The leaders were asked to find a way to close the gap at the Rome summit.

BIG-HITTERS REMAIN HOME

It is unlikely that at least four G20 leaders will be able to travel to Rome. These include Xi Jinping of China as the leader of the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitter and Vladimir Putin from Russia as the chief of Russia’s largest energy producer.

Sources said that while these absences weren’t a “great political signal”, they wouldn’t necessarily stop progress.

India, China, and Russia have not committed to net zero carbon emission by 2050. This is a crucial goal for limiting global warming below 1.5 degrees.

China seems most unwilling to adhere to the 1.5 degree limit, while India has shown the greatest commitment to not emitting net zero carbon emissions before 2050. One of the sources stated.

China and India make up another group of countries which haven’t yet submitted new national plans. This is known as Nationally Determined Contributions or NDCs, ahead of COP 26. It outlines how the country will combat climate change.

Alok Sharma of Britain was the COP26 President. He said this month that success in Glasgow would depend on whether or not the G20 (which accounts for 80%) succeeds.

According to one source, breakthroughs in Glasgow are much more likely than in Rome.

China, India, Russia and other big emitters feel constricted and pressured at the G20 by Western nations, he stated. They are defensive and unwilling concede ground.

He said that the UN forum, which is larger than it appears, was less neutral and more conducive for compromise.

According to Mario Draghi (Italian Prime Minister), the Rome G20 meeting will focus also on how to combat the pandemic coronavirus and foster economic recovery.