Baku fails UN summit as Guterres calls on G20 to save COP29

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has urged G20 leaders in Rio de Janeiro to save the simultaneous climate negotiations in Azerbaijan by demonstrating “leadership” on emissions’ reduction.

“The successful outcome of COP29 is still possible, but it will require leadership and compromise, particularly from G20 countries,” Guterres said, as he prepares to participate in the summit of the world’s largest economies starting Monday.

The annual U.N. talks in Baku have reached a dead end after a week of discussions focused on who should pay and how much. Western countries want China and wealthy Gulf states to join the list of donors.

All eyes are now on Rio, hoping for a breakthrough.

“The focus, of course, is on the G20. They account for 80 percent of global emissions,” Guterres said, calling on the group to “lead by example.”