The Transformation of the G20’ Just Transition Agenda

The relevance of this study is determined by the fact that the harmonization of approaches to a just transition within the Group of 20 (G20), taking into account the position of both developed and developing countries, can ensure the development of more effective tools to promote a climate and energy transition while maximizing benefits and minimizing risks and negative consequences for all, including the most vulnerable populations and countries. The purpose of this study is to highlight the main aspects of the G20’s just transition agenda and the stages of its transformation. Based on the results of the study, the author concludes that, although the term “just transition” was only introduced in the G20 agenda in 2021, a number of decisions reflected its most important aspects before then. The appearance of the term in the outcome documents of the Italian presidency reflects the tensions that are escalating between the developed and developing economies that make up the institution. Developed countries want to force developing countries to follow the same path of decarbonization, providing it with the same instruments, regardless of economic model and available resources. Developing countries want to make developed countries comply with the commitments made in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement on finance, technology, consideration of their national circumstances and the possibility of at least catching up on their own strengths, an equal right to determine the rules, and not using climate as a pretext for protectionism and protection of their economies. As a compromise, the language on a just transition was included in the Rome summit outcome documents. Since 2022, developing countries have made the fairness of energy and climate transitions a top priority of the institute.