The G20 has committed to carbon neutrality by “around mid-century”.

The Group of 20 leaders - those running the world’s biggest economies - has also agreed to end public financing for coal-fired power generation abroad.

However, it has set no target for phasing out coal domestically. 

A G20 communique published ahead of this week’s UN climate conference in Glasgow, Scotland contained little in the way of concrete actions.

It makes no reference to a specific 2050 date to achieve net zero carbon emissions, which scientists warn is needed for the world to avoid disastrous climate change.

“We recognise that the impacts of climate change at 1.5 degrees Celsius are much lower than at 2C. Keeping 1.5C within reach will require meaningful and effective actions and commitment by all countries,” the communique said.

The G20 nations are responsible for over three-quarters of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, so their agreement was seen as necessary for momentum to build for larger annual talks in Glasgow. 

They also agreed to help poor countries deal with the impact of rising temperatures.