The G20 summit in India has concluded with mixed progress on environmental issues, including ambitious renewable energy goals, but weak commitments to reduce fossil fuels and enhance energy efficiency.

The summit, held in New Delhi, aimed to establish global consensus on decarbonization, sustainable development, and nature conservation ahead of the UN's climate summit in Dubai later this year.

While there was hope for strong terms on decarbonization, the outcome fell short of expectations, with concerns about an energy transition's pace, increased fossil fuel profitability during the energy price crisis, and energy security dominating discussions.

Nonetheless, the summit marked progress as G20 nations agreed to "pursue and encourage efforts to triple renewable energy capacity globally" by 2030, a recommendation made by the International Energy Agency (IEA). Achieving this goal will require mobilizing at least $4 trillion annually by 2030, with an emphasis on directing more investment toward developing and emerging economies.

Climate think-tank Ember highlighted that rapidly scaling renewables is the most significant action to keep global warming within the 1.5°C target.

Green group 350.org called the agreement a "historic step" and "a glimmer of hope" in the fight against climate change.

The summit also emphasized a just energy transition, linking decarbonization with efforts to address socio-economic inequality.

However, detailed plans with specific dates for implementing a just transition were absent, which had been advocated by businesses associated with The Climate Group.

One area of concern was the weak language in the summit's agreement regarding energy efficiency improvements, only stating that G20 nations will "take note" of the IEA's recommendation to double the rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030.

Regarding fossil fuels, the text mentions "phasing down unabated coal power" and support for just transitions. However, it does not directly address oil and gas.

Additionally, the agreement emphasizes the need for "similar ambition" in scaling up carbon removal technologies, potentially shifting the focus away from renewables. This aspect was promoted by Saudi Arabia, China, and other fossil fuel exporters.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has firmly advocated for phasing out fossil fuels and significantly increasing renewable investments.

The G20 summit occurred shortly after the UN released its first global climate commitment stocktake, confirming that achieving the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C pathway would require "radical decarbonization" beyond current commitments.

On the topic of nature conservation, the summit did not yield new agreements, with nations reiterating existing commitments under the UN Biodiversity Treaty. Concerns were raised about the limited nature-related disclosure policies in most G20 member markets, despite requirements under the UN treaty.

In summary, the G20 summit resulted in significant progress on renewable energy goals but left room for improvement in commitments related to fossil fuels, energy efficiency, and nature conservation.