G20 shows climate challenges need emboldened leadership

IN 2015, the Paris climate deal was agreed at a time of – relative – geopolitical harmony, including between China and the United States. It is sometimes forgotten that one of the key developments that preceded that landmark agreement was months of intensive diplomacy between Beijing and Washington – culminating in a bilateral climate pact in 2014.

The shared global leadership displayed then is, sadly, largely lacking on the world stage today, but must now be rejuvenated, at least on this fundamental issue. As we move into what United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called the age of “global boiling”, history will not forgive the failure to show greater cooperation.

This is especially since so many areas of the globe suffer from climate impacts. In recent weeks, for instance, parts of China including Beijing have been battered by the heaviest rain in 140 years, while the country also recorded its hottest ever temperature at 52 deg C, amid wider heatwaves which also impacted Europe and North America.