G7 commits to decarbonizing electricity by 2035

The G7, which represents some of the world’s biggest economies, agreed to achieve “predominantly decarbonized” electricity sectors by 2035, a goal that experts say is a major step in helping the world avert catastrophic climate change.

The G7 nations made the new pledge in a 40-page communiqué, in which it also reaffirmed an end to fossil fuel subsidies by the end of this year.

The decision does, however, leave countries open to continue using fossil fuels if their greenhouse gases are “captured.” Current technology cannot capture 100% of greenhouse gases emitted by the burning of fossil fuels.

The G7 includes the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom, as well as the European Union. Their decisions on energy and climate are often pitched to the wider G20 group, which together produce 80% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions.

The G20 will meet in Bali in November. The decision was made against the backdrop of Russia’s war in Ukraine, which has given a renewed sense of urgency, in Europe in particular, to expedite the transition to cleaner energy sources.