During the “Partnering for Green Growth” (P4G) summit in Seoul, South Korea, world leaders concluded by calling for more actions toward a greener planet. The 2-day conference was the second of its kind, as the first one was held last 2018 in Copenhagen, albeit held virtually this year.
Through what is now called the Seoul Declaration, representatives from the European Union and United States are encouraging other countries to do more in the international initiative of achieving a greener planet. Emphasizing that the matter cannot wait any longer.
However, negotiations between countries have been long hindered by disagreements over the sharing of burden. The contention is that rich countries should shoulder more since they are home to the big companies that are historically responsible for the Earth’s pollution.
U.S. President Joe Biden announced last month that they will put more effort in accomplishing the country’s previous commitments. They will do so by cutting the emissions that are responsible for climate change by 50-52% by 2030, compared to the 2005 emission levels.
During the P4G conference, US special climate representative John Kerry said that they are also pressuring other countries to step up, reminding everyone that the pre pandemic normal was already a crisis, His comments are in relation to the dire warnings of scientists that will be taken up in the next UN climate change virtual conference in November.
“Partnering for Green Growth” Summit Agreement between World Leaders
While the Paris Summit agreement’s goal was to limit the increase of temperature below 2°C, focusing for 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, the South Korea summit statement included discussions over large emitters that were unable to keep their commitments. According to the UN, in order to maintain the goal of 1.5°C, there must be an 8% reduction every year.
The Seoul Declaration also added that it recognizes the three greatest environmental challenges, namely: desertification and land degradation, climate change, and biodiversity loss.
