The G7 nations have pledged to eradicate coal from their power sectors by 2035, with one exception – coal plants that utilize emission-capturing technology.
In a joint statement, the environment and climate leaders of the G7 countries announced their commitment to phasing out “unabated coal power” during the first half of the 2030s. Alternatively, they may opt for a more flexible timeline that aligns with the goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
G7 nations commit to phasing out coal (Credits: AP News)
This temperature threshold is crucial, as exceeding it could unleash the most devastating impacts of climate change. The G7 consists of seven major economies: the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan.
This announcement comes on the heels of a new rule introduced by the US, which aims to curb climate pollution from power plants. Under this rule, coal plants must either install carbon capture technology by 2032 or cease operations by 2039. In the interim, the G7 nations have agreed to reduce their unabated coal usage “as much as possible.”
