G7 agreed to accelerate phase-out of fossil fuels

The Group of Seven nations agreed to accelerate the phase-out of unabated fossil fuels but fell short of sealing a deal on a timeline to exit coal, said French energy minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher. Pannier-Runacher spoke on the sidelines of a meeting of G7 energy and environment ministers in the northern Japanese city of Sapporo that runs through Sunday.

"For the first time ever, the G7 says that we must accelerate the phasing out of all unabated fossil fuels," Pannier-Runacher told reporters. "The G7 also says that there should be no more new coal fired power plants."

The G7 have appointed themselves leaders in the global mission to decarbonise, and the communique sends an important political signal that sets the tone for energy and climate conversations the rest of the year.


Still, the failure to agree on a timeline to exit coal may weaken resolve ahead of a critical UN climate summit in Dubai later this year - COP 28 - where nearly 200 nations will be pressed to phase out the fossil fuel.

The G7 also calls for accelerating installment of renewables, Pannier-Runacher said.