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Water vapor rises from cooling towers of the Niederaussem coal-fired power plant on March 25, in Bergheim, Germany.
Climate policy breakthrough: Ministers from the Group of Seven nations have agreed to shut down all their coal plants by 2035 at the latest. This historic agreement could influence other countries to do the same and marks a significant step towards combatting the climate crisis. The decision was reached during the G7 summit, taking place in Turin, Italy.
Putting an end date on coal, which is the most climate-polluting fossil fuel, has been met with controversy in the past at international climate talks. However, the G7 nations have overcome these obstacles and demonstrated their commitment to transitioning away from coal. This includes Japan, a country that heavily relies on coal for its electricity generation.
Andrew Bowie, a UK minister at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, described the agreement as a major achievement and a clear signal to the world that advanced economies are dedicated to phasing out coal. The United States and Japan, in particular, have previously faced criticisms for their lack of commitment to moving away from coal power.
The G7 agreement is a significant development, especially for Japan, as it is the only G7 country without a previous commitment to transition away from coal. This commitment aligns with the global consensus reached at the COP28 climate talks held in Dubai last year, where almost every country agreed to shift away from fossil fuels.
While coal power has been steadily declining, it is crucial to recognize the need for phasing out all fossil fuels, including gas. The journey towards cleaner energy sources must continue to address the climate crisis comprehensively. The G7’s commitment to ending coal sets an example for other countries and establishes a foundation for accelerated action.
The G7’s decisions have a significant impact on global climate policy. Not only do these decisions cascade to the wider G20, which includes major emitters and fossil fuel producers, but they also shape the trajectory of global efforts to combat the climate crisis. This commitment by the G7 nations serves as a beacon of hope and encourages further international cooperation.
This story has been updated with additional information.
CNN’s Ella Nilsen contributed to this report.