The G7 agrees to end coal use by 2035, albeit with caveats.

In a historic move, the Group of Seven (G7) nations have pledged to phase out “unabated” coal use by 2035, signaling a fundamental shift in global climate policy. The accord, achieved after negotiations between energy, climate, and environment ministers in Turin, Italy, attempts to address the critical issue of carbon emissions and their role in climate change.

However, the accord includes an important proviso that allows governments to extend the deadline under certain conditions, particularly if steps are done to trap carbon pollution before it enters the atmosphere. This flexibility is meant to account for individual countries’ economic and social factors while remaining consistent with attempts to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius over pre-industrial levels.

Several G7 members, including the United Kingdom, Italy, Canada, and France, have achieved great progress in lowering coal consumption, with coal accounting for a small fraction of their electrical mix. However, countries such as Japan, Germany, and the United States continue to rely extensively on coal for energy generation.

The statement coincides with the US Environmental Protection Agency’s release of new regulations mandating coal-fired power stations to absorb the bulk of their carbon emissions or face closure by 2039.

While some experts have praised the G7 agreement as a significant step forward, others believe the 2035 timeframe is insufficient to achieve the objective of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Climate policy researchers underline the importance of stopping coal use by 2030 at the latest and moving away from natural gas by 2035 to avoid future climate disasters.

Critics also point to the lack of a gas phase-out in the deal, citing the negative impact of prolonged investment in gas infrastructure on both the economy and the environment.

The G7’s decision has a considerable impact on global climate policy, frequently influencing larger initiatives such as those inside the G20. However, obstacles persist, particularly in nations such as Japan, which have historically been opposed to setting precise dates for the coal phase-out.

The agreement represents continuous worldwide efforts to address the underlying causes of the climate catastrophe and emphasizes the critical role of leading economies in directing the world toward a more sustainable and renewable energy future.