TMB NEWS NETWORK
IMPHAL: In a significant move towards combating climate change, the Group of Seven (G7) nations have confirmed their commitment to submit their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by early 2025. These contributions are expected to include concrete goals for reducing fossil fuels, marking a pivotal step in quantifying global demand reduction at COP30.
Dave Jones, Ember’s Global Insights Programme Director, hailed this development as “another nail in the coffin for coal.” The journey to phase out coal power has been ongoing, with commitments dating back over seven years from countries like the UK, France, Italy, and Canada. The recent explicit intentions from the United States and Japan are particularly noteworthy. However, Jones highlighted the persistent challenge posed by gas power, emphasizing that the decarbonization of the power sector should extend beyond coal to include gas by 2035.
Mariagrazia Midulla, Climate and Energy Head at WWF Italy, applauded the outcomes of the G7 ministerial meeting on climate and energy but stressed the need for consistency and leadership. Midulla urged Italy to address its gas dependency, emphasizing the importance of aligning with the goals set forth in COP28 outcomes. While renewables have been acknowledged as a crucial component in the energy transition, concerns linger regarding Italy’s trajectory, particularly concerning ideological stances on nuclear power and biofuels.
Midulla underscored the necessity of moving away from dirty energy sources to tackle energy security effectively. She urged Italy to abandon ideological residues surrounding gas and nuclear power, emphasizing the imperative to prioritize clean energy alternatives.
The G7 nations’ reaffirmed commitment to phasing out fossil fuels signals a concerted effort towards addressing the pressing challenges of climate change. As the world gears up for COP30, the spotlight is on governments to deliver ambitious NDCs that prioritize the reduction of coal and gas power, paving the way for a more sustainable energy future.
