Bergheim, Germany—Ministers from the Group of Seven nations have reached a groundbreaking agreement to phase out all coal plants by 2035 at the latest. This move marks a significant shift in climate policy that could potentially influence other countries to follow suit.
The decision to establish an end date for coal, known as the most environmentally harmful fossil fuel, has been a contentious topic at international climate discussions. Japan, which heavily relies on coal for electricity, has been a key player in blocking progress on this issue at previous G7 summits.
Andrew Bowie, a UK minister at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, hailed the agreement as historic, emphasizing the importance of the G7 nations collectively committing to phase out coal by the early 2030s. This unified stance sends a strong signal to the world that advanced economies are dedicated to this transition.
In response to these developments, the US Environmental Protection Agency recently announced new regulations that will require coal-fired power plants to significantly reduce their emissions or face closure by 2039. The alignment between this US policy and the G7 commitment underscores the global momentum towards phasing out coal.
The agreement holds particular significance for Japan, as it is the only G7 country that had not already committed to moving away from coal. The shift away from coal is seen as a positive step in the fight against climate change, with many other G7 nations already having plans in place to transition to cleaner energy sources.
While the focus on phasing out coal is a major step forward, experts caution that the transition must also address the broader issue of fossil fuels as a whole. While coal is considered the most polluting of the fossil fuels, efforts to combat climate change must ultimately include a shift away from all forms of fossil fuels.
The ongoing discussions among energy, environment, and climate ministers in Turin are expected to conclude soon, with the G7 nations leading the way in setting global climate policy standards. Their decisions often have a ripple effect on the broader G20, influencing other major emitters and fossil fuel producers to also take action towards a cleaner energy future.