The Facts
As India began its year-long G20 presidency on Thursday, PM Narendra Modi called for greater international cooperation to deal with the challenges of "climate change, terrorism, and pandemics."
Placing climate at the top of next year's priorities, the country reportedly plans to find alternative means to raise climate finance, help push forward the initiative's conversation, and limit the rise in global temperatures to 1.5°.
The Spin
Narrative A
This is a moment to celebrate as India takes the lead to ensure rich industrialized nations and emerging economies combat global warming through collective action. The G20 presidency is India’s definitive moment, providing the Asian country with an opportunity to reshape the debate on some of the burning issues of climate change.
Narrative B
As many nations have exhausted their efforts combatting a slew of global crises, from geopolitical insecurities to economic collapse, they have little room left to prioritize climate goals. There needs to be a conscious effort to ensure a level playing field in the G20's next term and not allow climate initiatives — while important — to overshadow other pertinent challenges.
