UK’s Johnson Warns on Climate, Recalls Fall of Roman Empire ahead of G20 Summit

UK’s Johnson Warns on Climate, Recalls Fall of Roman Empire ahead of G20 Summit

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson meets with fundraisers from the Royal British Legion outside Number 10 Downing Street in London, Britain October 29, 2021. (Reuters)

Global leaders must step up the fight against climate change, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned on Friday, saying world civilization could collapse as swiftly as the ancient Roman empire unless more is done.

Speaking just hours before leaders of the group of 20 major economies start a two-day meeting in Italy, Johnson said future generations risked hunger, conflict and mass migration if progress was not made to tackle climate change.

“There is absolutely no question that this is a reality we must face up to,” he told reporters as he flew into Rome for the G20 summit, warning that living conditions could rapidly deteriorate without a collective change of course.

“You saw that with the decline and fall of the Roman Empire and I’m afraid to say it’s true today.”

It is the first time in two years that most leaders of the G20 have felt able to hold face-to-face discussions as the COVID-19 pandemic starts to recede in many countries.

The health crisis and economic recovery feature strongly on the agenda, but the most vital and difficult debate will