The key now – as it is for every nation, every business and every investor – is to take these commitments and turn them into rapid and concrete action. Because the clock is running down ever faster to 2030, the point at which the world is supposed to meet vital targets across the whole triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and land loss, and pollution and waste. And the point at which the Sustainable Development Goals are expected to be delivered.

So, G20 nations must dramatically increase financing for and investment in sustainable solutions. Decarbonize their economies at a far faster rate. Protect and restore their lands and nature, including by working with indigenous peoples. Tackle pollution of the air, land and water – starting with helping to deliver a strong instrument to end plastic pollution.

The world will not be fixed overnight, so the G20 must move away from independent cycles and ensure multiyear planning on environment and climate sustainability to create even stronger continuity between presidencies and ensure that the environment is also carried across working groups. A ‘whole of society’ approach needs to be echoed by a ‘whole of G20’ approach to the environment.  

My thanks to Brazil for their leadership in this cycle. UNEP looks forward to working with South Africa as it takes on the G20 presidency.