Global energy challenges

摘要

G20 countries are treating a range of energy issues as a central concern, but four of them require particular attention. Seven years ago, Russia hosted the G8 for the first time. Energy was one of the central themes up for discussion, and indeed the Saint Petersburg Global Energy Security Principles agreed at the G8 summit became an important landmark, reinforcing the concept of 'security of demand.' Since Pittsburgh, a key energy priority of G20 leaders has been to reduce fossil fuel subsidies which encourage wasteful consumption, disproportionately benefit wealthier countries and sectors, and tend to distort energy markets. It was in response to the global financial and economic crisis that the G20 became the primary economic council of major economies in 2009, so it should come as little surprise that major oil price fluctuations, such as those of the past year, have remained a key preoccupation of the G20. Based on previous work in this area, the 2011 French G20 presidency made.