Greenpeace responds to the G7’s Communique on climate change

Greenpeace responds to the G7’s Communique on climate change

Ise-Shima, May 27 2016 - The Ise-Shima G7 Leaders’ Communique does not reflect the urgency of the climate crisis we face, nor is it consistent with the momentum around the world since the Paris Agreement. Clearly, Japan has held back the rest of the G7 from the action the Paris Agreement requires.

“The Ise-Shima Communique fell short of what’s needed on climate change,” said Jennifer Morgan, Executive Director of Greenpeace International. “We’re glad to see the G7’s support for ratification of the Paris Agreement this year, but we expected a more ambitious response to the climate crisis, with specific details of how and when G7 leaders themselves intend to act.

“The first assessment of all countries’ climate commitments takes place in 2018, and we challenge the G7 to produce plans for a transition to 100% renewable energy by then. The promise to implement existing climate pledges early is welcome, but these should be quickly strengthened to much more ambitious pledges.”

Last year in Elmau, G7 leaders were bold in committing to do their part to decarbonise the global economy over the course of this century, while aiming for a transformation of the energy sectors by 2050 in order to hold temperature rises to below 2C and reduce emissions to zero. That sent an important signal to global investors and the fossil fuel industry that the transformation is under way and full decarbonisation is inevitable.

Since then, the world agreed to pursue the goal of limiting temperature rises to 1.5C. The G7 should have responded by recognising this means a transition to 100% renewable energy by 2050 at the latest.

Nuclear energy is not the answer to the climate crisis, and it’s disappointing to see the G7 leaders suggest that nuclear energy can significantly contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

“This idea is being pushed by the Japanese government and other pro-nuclear countries in support of their own agendas,” said Hisayo Takada, deputy programme director at Greenpeace Japan. “Nuclear will not be a significant part of the energy mix in Japan again. Prime Minister Abe is using the climate crisis to promote his own short-sighted commitment to this outdated and risky technology.”

Jennifer Morgan added:

“It is bewildering that Japan can host a G7 summit where leaders commit to taking the lead on tackling climate change, while at the same time Tokyo champions the burning of coal, both at home and overseas. These two positions are completely incompatible.

“The next big political moment is the G20 in September. It’s up to China to tackle the toughest political questions head on, and lead the G20 to make public and private investment compatible with the Paris vision of limiting temperature rise to 1.5C.”

Note to editors:

G7 Communique (English): http://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/files/000160266.pdf

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