G20 ministers stuck on global warming caps

The G20 ministers responsible for climate, energy and environment failed to reach a consensus on more ambitious climate goals after talks in Italy on Friday.

Following the discussions in Naples, several countries rejected the idea of committing to keeping global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit), said Roberto Cingolani, the Italian minister for ecological transition.

The countries instead only pledged to aim for the less ambitious target in the Paris Climate Agreement of keeping the increase in the Earth's temperature to well below 2 degrees, while continuing efforts to reduce it to 1.5 degrees, a joint declaration said.

Global warming has already seen a 1.2-degree increase compared to pre-industrial times, with fatal climate consequences, such as heat waves, droughts, and floods.

Environmental disasters and global warming

Cingolani told reporters that concern over last week's deadly floods in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands was at the forefront of discussions during the two days of negotiations in southern Italy. Germany and the European Union are both G20 members.

"All began by offering condolences," Cingolani said. Such natural disasters are "changing consciences."

Climate scientists say the link between extreme weather and global warming is unmistakable, while calling for urgent action.

Between them, the G20 countries account for some 80% of the world's gross domestic product and some 60% of the planet's population.

jsi/mm (AP, dpa, AFP, Reuters)