This policy brief outlines how the unique characteristics of the Group of 20 (G20), namely its limited membership, informality, and economic orientation, can be leveraged to promote climate action. We identify four ways in which the G20 can support multilateral climate activities and specify gaps the G20 can uniquely fill to reinforce global climate governance while addressing the socioeconomic consequences of COVID-19. We also propose that the G20 strengthen engagement with two new groups: major G20 cities and regions and vulnerable countries, which are key stakeholders in climate governance and can enrich the discussions and decisions of the G20.

Principal Fellow- Climate & Sustainability
Mari is a policy-oriented social scientist who has been studying climate change, energy transitions and sustainable development policy in the…
Mari is a policy-oriented social scientist who has been studying climate change, energy transitions and sustainable development policy in the Gulf and globally for 17 years. At KAPSARC, she leads research projects on carbon markets and Paris Agreement Article 6, and on the Circular Carbon Economy Index. She has worked for other leading energy, sustainable development and foreign policy research institutions, including the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, the International Institute for Sustainable Development (Earth Negotiations Bulletin), Georgetown University, the Finnish Institute of International Affairs, and the Emirates Diplomatic Academy. Mari holds a master’s degree in political science and international politics from the University of Helsinki and a Ph.D. in Middle Eastern studies from Durham University. In addition to a broad research publications portfolio, she has substantial experience in executive training, presentations, policy advisory, and reporting services for multilateral environmental negotiations.
Expertise
- Climate Change Policy and Governance
- Net-Zero Energy Transitions
- Circular Carbon Economy
- Sustainable Energy Policy
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions Measurement
- Verification and Reporting
- Carbon Markets
- Paris Agreement Article 6
Publications See all Mari Luomi’s publications

Carbon Markets and Saudi Arabia: A Review of Options and Analysis of Carbon Crediting Potential
This policy brief outlines how the unique characteristics of the Group of 20 (G20), namely…
9th March 2025
The Circular Carbon Economy Index 2024 – Results
This policy brief outlines how the unique characteristics of the Group of 20 (G20), namely…
14th November 2024