Although an increasing number of studies project large economic costs of climate inaction, G20 nations still account for 78% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and remain collectively not on track to meet their Paris Agreement commitments. Studies also show that effective implementation of climate policies can unlock potential economic, social, and environmental benefits. However, serious climate action is still viewed as a costly option and awaits adequate integration into economic planning and development strategies. The current COVID-19 pandemic adds economic and social challenges, while paradoxically offering an opportunity to align recovery plans with long-term climate objectives. G20 nations, as the world’s leading group, are expected by the rest of the international community not only to pioneer ambitious climate action but also to support less developed countries through finance, technology transfer, and capacity building. In this policy brief, we consider key policy options that support sustainable, climate-resilient economic growth and recovery in G20 countries, while considering the heterogeneity of climate impacts and opportunities across G20 members.
Aisha Al-Sarihi
Former Research Associate
Aisha’s research interests focus on the environment, energy policy and climate economics and policies. She obtained her Ph.D. at Imperial…
Aisha’s research interests focus on the environment, energy policy and climate economics and policies. She obtained her Ph.D. at Imperial College's Centre for Environmental Policy. Her thesis focused on policies and challenges for renewable energy adoption in oil-producing countries. Following her Ph.D., Aisha pursued her postdoctoral research at the London School of Economics and Political Science's Middle East Centre, working on assessing the economic implications of climate change in the GCC. She also joined the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, studying the challenges and opportunities for aligning climate policies with economic diversification strategies in Saudi Arabia, Oman and the UAE. Before joining KAPSARC, Aisha worked at Georgetown University's Center for Contemporary Arab Studies as a visiting scholar.
