G7 reached a specific agreement on phasing out coal

According to information from the German press, during a meeting on the morning of May 27 local time in Berlin, the group of countries G7 agreed on specific measures and roadmap on phasing out coal between now and 2030, building a carbon-free power system by 2035, and expanding the production of renewable energy. This is a remarkable agreement because it is the first time that the G7 group of countries has made a specific commitment to soon end the use of coal.

Taking place from May 25-27 in Berlin, the G7 ministers’ meeting on energy, climate and environment aims to re-engage the public’s attention and re-promote the agenda. on energy transition, combating climate change, environmental protection, biodiversity in the context that the climate goals set out at COP26 at the end of 2021 in Scotland are being overshadowed by variables. geopolitical dynamics arising from the war in Ukraine.

Since the war broke out 3 months ago, the price of oil has increased very high, forcing many countries to rush to buy and store. In addition, the fierce confrontation between Russia and the West also forced some European countries to find alternatives to oil imports from Russia by increasing the use of coal, a fuel polluting the environment. largest school. This has led many environmental experts to warn that the world will be slower and slower to meet emissions reduction targets.

Also on the morning of May 27, German Minister of Economy and Climate Action Robert Habeck and US President’s special climate envoy John Kerry signed the Germany-US Joint Declaration on the Energy and Climate Partnership. . According to the statement, the two countries Germany and the United States agreed to promote cooperation in the construction of offshore wind power generations, setting a target that by 2030 each country will have an additional 30 GW of offshore wind power. In addition, Germany and the US also reached an agreement on cooperation in the use of hydrogen gas in industrial production. This is seen as a strategy for Germany to gradually get rid of its dependence on oil and gas from Russia, its largest energy partner.

Earlier, in the session yesterday afternoon, on May 26, German Economy Minister Robert Habeck also said that in the next few days the EU will have to reach a consensus on Russia’s oil embargo or must find a way. another project, in the context that Hungary is still opposed to this measure.

“It is important for Europe to remain united. All European countries must work to reduce their dependence on Russian oil, including Hungary. However, if other topics are still attached to the oil embargo, discussions will be very difficult. We are still discussing it and the next five days will be the time when the EU either has to reach an agreement or has to consider other options.”