S&D Euro MPs today called on the world leaders meeting over the weekend in Hangzhou in the framework of the G-20, to respect the commitments made during the COP 21 in Paris to fight climate change.
 

S&D Group president Gianni Pittella said:
 
"We are extremely concerned. The agreement signed in Paris last December risks remaining an empty shell. None of the most important nations responsible for the emission of CO2 have ratified the Paris agreement.
 
"World leaders must keep their commitments and promises. The Paris agreement was meant to be a game-changer. The agreement is not only important for the protection of our planet, it can also be a powerful catalyst to boost investment in the low carbon economy. 
 
"We have a crucial meeting in Morocco in November to further implement measures to fight climate change. Governments must act now to avoid a fiasco."

S&D Group vice-president responsible for sustainable development Katthleen van Brempt added:
 
"While governments are stalling, alarming news continues to emerge about the state of our planet. According to recent international scientific data, 2015 was the hottest year on record and it looks like it will be surpass by 2016. This will mean more droughts around the globe, an accelerated melting of the glaciers, a rise in fires and floods and an intensification of climate migration. We call on governments to stick to their promises. There is no time to waste."
 
Notes to the editor:
Following intensive negotiations in Paris last December, the 196 states parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change agreed a historic new global climate agreement.  The new agreement has as a target limiting global temperature well below 2C in comparison to pre-industrial levels while recognising the need to continue efforts to limit temperature increase to 1.5 degrees.
Moreover the agreement includes a long term target of reaching greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions neutrality in the second half of the century as well as a 5-year review mechanism for the commitments of states. This review is key in order to allow for an increase of ambition in the immediate future so as to keep the world on track for the 2 degrees target (as current commitments lead to an increase of global temperature of 2.7 to 3 degrees).