South Africa's G20 presidency to push for stronger global climate commitments

26/3/2025 7:12

South Africa will use the G20 presidency to drive stronger global commitments to climate action and environmental sustainability, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Dion George said Tuesday.



George made the remarks at the first virtual meeting of the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG). In his opening address, he outlined an ambitious agenda focused on biodiversity, climate finance, waste management, and ocean conservation.



With less than five years remaining to meet the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), George said, poverty and inequality remain pressing global challenges, while carbon dioxide emissions continue to rise.



"The G20 can play a crucial part in halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030, aiming for a 'nature-positive world' for the benefit of people and the planet. Building on the Brazilian presidency's initiative on bioeconomy, this priority area will also deal with the role of the bioeconomy, nature and wildlife economy in contributing to livelihoods of communities," he said.