G7: Comment on climate commitments

Commenting on commitments made by G7 leaders on climate change, Gareth Redmond-King, COP26 Lead at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) said: “It is significant for November’s climate summit in Glasgow that leaders of the wealthiest nations clearly acknowledge the action needed to keep to 1.5° of temperature rise, including ending our global reliance on coal. But with just five months until COP26, there is still a very long way to go from Cornwall to Glasgow, with delivery of climate promises lacking. This includes country emissions pledges, where recent analysis shows the G7 barely half-way to committing what is needed.

“Notably, whilst G7 leaders reaffirmed their overdue promise of $100bn a year in climate support to poorer countries, those same countries will be disappointed that they leave Cornwall with no new money apparently on the table. Progress at COP requires the trust of all nations; if Rishi Sunak and Boris Johnson won’t reverse the UK’s own cuts in overseas development assistance, they go into the negotiations with one arm tied firmly behind their back.”