Between 28-30 April 2024, the G7 Climate, Energy and Environment ministers met in Turin (current presidency sits with Italy),. At the end of the working sessions they adopted a Joint Declaration that gives a precise follow-up to the goals agreed at COP 28. It sends a clear message to others, particularly the major economies, on the level of commitment that is needed to adequately address the challenge of climate change. so what are top message from their meet up ?
G7 that consists of seven of the world's largest advanced economies:
Canada
France
Germany
Italy
Japan
United Kingdom
United States
met , discussed, expressed urgency and commitment towards accelerating efforts to combat climate change and transition to renewable energy sources. This includes:
1. Keeping 1.5°C within reach: There's a call for countries to communicate Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) aligned with the 1.5°C target by early 2025, with absolute reduction targets covering all sectors and categories. Support for capacity building in developing countries is emphasized. There's recognition of the significant gap between current emissions trajectories and those required to limit global warming to 1.5°C. Commitment is reiterated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions substantially by 2030 and achieve global net-zero emissions by 2050.
2. Accelerating renewable energy deployment: Commitment is made to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030, emphasizing the need for resilience and flexibility in electricity systems, as well as the importance of diverse supply chains and accelerating offshore wind deployment. Findings highlighting the increase in energy-related CO2 emissions in 2023, reaching a record high, raise concern and emphasize the need for immediate action.
3. Doubling global energy efficiency: There's a commitment to doubling the global average annual rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030, with emphasis on the role of energy efficiency in transitioning away from fossil fuels, promoting inclusive transition, and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Phase out existing unabated coal power generation by the first half of the 2030s and reduce utilization in the meantime, in alignment with the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. Cooperation with international partners and financial institutions is highlighted to facilitate this transition away from unabated coal power. decarbonize power sector - Commitment to achieving a fully or predominantly decarbonized power sector by 2035.  Reaffirms commitment to eliminating inefficient fossil fuel subsidies by 2025. Stresses the negative impacts of such subsidies on energy security and climate change efforts.
4. Reducing methane emissions, particularly from fossil fuel operations, with commitments to pursue collective efforts to achieve significant reductions by 2030 and beyond. Acknowledges the need to reduce dependency on Russian fossil fuels. Recognizes LNG deliveries as a potential solution and calls for enhanced global gas security measures. Aims to reduce emissions from international shipping by 30% by 2030 and 80% by 2040. Decarbonize road transport by 2050, using electrification as key technology, commits to achieving net-zero emissions in international aviation by 2050.
5. Just and inclusive transition - Recognizes the importance of human rights and social development in climate action, leaving no one behind. Commitment towards working together to accelerate the use of carbon markets and pricing instruments.
6. Nuclear and Fusion: Commits to supporting research and development initiatives on innovative nuclear power technologies while recognizing nuclear energy's potential role in reducing fossil fuel dependence. Promoting international collaborations and regulatory approaches to accelerate fusion development and ensure safety.
7. in context of critical mineral and raw material, commits to implementing strategies for critical minerals security, promoting environmental, social, and governance best practices, and building global capacity.
8. Commitment to facilitate Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency Principles
9. G7 commits to reducing additional plastic pollution to zero by 2040 and supports the development of an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, emphasizing sustainable production and consumption.