Greenpeace: G20 Nations Failed To Deliver New 2035 Climate Targets By Mid-COP30

by | Nov 24, 2025 | Climate Change, COP

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G20 Nations failed to deliver New 2035 Climate Targets, and this is the stark conclusion of Greenpeace International’s latest report, 2035 Climate Ambition Gap, launched at COP30 in Belém. The study, which was published on November 17, shows that the majority of G20 nations either failed to submit updated 2035 nationally determined contributions (NDCs) or presented plans that are significantly below what is necessary to maintain the 1.5°C limit. The world’s most powerful economies are moving too slowly, despite pledges to increase energy efficiency by 2030, triple renewable energy capacity, and cut emissions by 60% by 2035. Since G20 countries account for 85% of global GDP and roughly 80% of world emissions, their intransigence jeopardizes global progress and increases the mitigation gap.

G20 Nations Failed to Deliver New 2035 Climate Targets

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Why Are the G20’s 2035 Targets Considered Insufficient?

G20 Nations failed to deliver New 2035 Climate Targets because the targets submitted so far lack the ambition, clarity, and sector-specific strategies needed for deep decarbonization.

According to Greenpeace‘s analysis:

  • Just 23–29% of the projected 60% reduction by 2035 has been committed thus far.
  • There are no reliable plans for the phase-out of fossil fuels among the G20 countries.
  • Energy efficiency and renewable energy goals are either absent or inadequately measured.
  • Argentina, India, and Saudi Arabia are the three nations that have not yet published or submitted a 2035 NDC.

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These deficiencies run counter to the Global Stocktake’s conclusion that big economies must cut emissions quickly, deeply, and continuously.

Also Read: Fire Breaks Out At COP30, Forcing Evacuation And Halting Climate Negotiations

What Role Do G20 Countries Play in Shaping Global Climate Progress?

G20 Nations failed to deliver New 2035 Climate Targets despite holding disproportionate influence over global emissions and economic pathways. Their leadership, or lack thereof, significantly influences the global climate trajectory.

Why their role is critical:

  • 77% of the world’s emissions are produced by them (2023 figures excluding the African Union).
  • Disparities are evident: the global share increases by only 5% even when 55 African Union nations are included.
  • Global markets, investments, and the adoption of technology are all impacted by G20 activities.
  • Fossil fuel consumption has increased by 60% since 1990, and it still accounts for 70% of global emissions. G20 policies have significantly influenced these developments.

The world’s remaining carbon budget will quickly run out if the G20 doesn’t take decisive action, making the 1.5°C target all but impossible to reach.

Also Read: Ukraine Demands Russia Pay For War’s Climate Damage, Disrupting Negotiations At COP30

What Must Happen to Close the 2035 Climate Ambition Gap?

G20 Nations failed to deliver New 2035 Climate Targets, but the report outlines several urgent steps that governments can adopt to bridge the gap and align with the Paris Agreement.

Key actions needed:

  • Phase out fossil fuels with clear timelines and national policies.
  • To achieve the worldwide objective of tripling capacity by 2030, quickly expand renewable energy.
  • Double the rates of energy efficiency, especially in buildings, transportation, and industries.
  • To ensure equity and coordinate national efforts, adopt a global response plan.
  • Raise money for climate change so that developing countries can make a fair transition.

Greenpeace highlights the need for developed G20 nations to spearhead and promote climate cooperation based on justice.

Status of 2035 Commitments Among G20 Countries
G20 Member Submitted 2035 NDC? Ambition Level Fossil Fuel Phase-out Plan? Notes
Australia Yes Moderate No Renewable targets unclear
Brazil Yes Moderate No Strong deforestation goals, but weak fossil fuel policy
Canada Yes Moderate No High per-capita emissions remain a concern
China Yes Low No Emissions peak timeline unclear
EU Yes Moderate Partial Improved targets but still below 1.5°C pathway
Indonesia Yes Low No Coal reliance remains high
Japan Yes Low No Depends heavily on fossil fuels
Russia Yes Very Low No No meaningful decarbonization strategy
South Africa Yes Moderate No Needs stronger energy efficiency goals
Türkiye Yes Low No Emissions still rising
UK Yes Moderate Partial Needs faster fossil fuel phase-out
US Yes Moderate No Lacks a credible 2035 fossil fuel strategy
Mexico Announced only Low No Official submission pending
South Korea Announced only Low No Official submission pending
Argentina No No announcement yet
India No No announcement yet
Saudi Arabia No No announcement yet

Also Read: Trump’s Anti-Climate Policies Could Trigger 1.3 Million Extra Deaths Globally, Study Shows

What Are Greenpeace and Climate Advocates Demanding from COP30?

G20 Nations failed to deliver New 2035 Climate Targets, but Greenpeace insists COP30 must be a turning point.

Greenpeace’s main requests are as follows:

  • Fossil fuel phase-out pledges that are urgent and unambiguous.
  • Deployment of renewable energy accelerated with governmental funding.
  • Stronger climate funding, mainly to deal with damage and loss.
  • Mechanisms that uphold the values of climate justice by making polluters pay.
  • A fair transition strategy that safeguards communities and workers who rely on fossil fuels.

Jasper Inventor, Deputy Program Director at Greenpeace, emphasized that COP30 needs to “accelerate real action” to make climate ambition equitable and enforceable.

Also Read: COP30 Targets Global Grid Crisis, Unlocks $1 Trillion Investment Pipeline

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Why is the 2035 deadline so important?

As 2035 represents a key mid-century milestone. To reach net-zero CO₂ emissions by 2050, global emissions must be reduced by 60% by 2035. Delayed action now will make future cuts far more difficult and expensive.

Q2. Which G20 countries are closest to aligning with the 1.5°C pathway?

The EU and UK show relatively higher ambition, but neither fully aligns with the required emissions trajectory. All major economies still lack robust commitments to phase out fossil fuels.

Q3. What happens if G20 nations fail to strengthen their targets?

If the world’s largest emitters fail to act, the 1.5°C limit may become unattainable, leading to intensified climate disasters, economic instability, and increased global loss and damage.

Also Read: COP30’s Fossil Fuel Challenge: The Push For Phase-Out Sees Little Headway

Author

  • Dr. Emily Greenfield is a highly accomplished environmentalist with over 30 years of experience in writing, reviewing, and publishing content on various environmental topics. Hailing from the United States, she has dedicated her career to raising awareness about environmental issues and promoting sustainable practices.

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