On May 1st to 2nd 2016, the G7 Energy Ministers together with the European Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy met at Kitakyushu, Japan to discuss developments since their 2015 Hamburg meeting, especially against the background of volatile energy prices and the Paris Agreement.
They issued a joint statement for Leaders’ consideration in light of the upcoming G7 Summit which will take place in Ise Shima on May 26-27 2016.
In their statement, the Ministers highlighted the need for further investment in the energy sector “including quality infrastructure, innovation in renewable energy and other low-carbon technologies”. They reiterated their strong support for “Mission Innovation”, which was launched at the COP21 in order to accelerate widespread clean energy innovation. In this regard, they also reaffirmed that the deployment of clean energy technologies and enhancement of research and development of innovative technologies are crucial and that the G7 have to play a leading role in this endeavor.
Calling energy efficiency, as part of comprehensive energy sustainability, “key to decarbonisation of our economies”, the Ministers also emphasized the strong interconnection between energy efficiency and resource efficiency and therefore the importance of simultaneous improvement.
Together, these measures should help build the economy while decoupling economic growth from carbon emissions. They therefore committed themselves to further enhance a secure and sustainable energy supply, as this is “essential to mitigate risks to the future growth of the global economy.”
With their commitment to energy security, the Energy Ministers also called attention to the geostrategic dimensions of energy resources:
“Well-functioning and transparent markets, diversified energy fuels, sources and routes, enhanced energy efficiency and improved energy system resilience are all necessary for furthering energy security. In the context of the ongoing crisis between Russia and Ukraine, we reiterate that energy should not be used as a means of political coercion, nor as a threat to security. We remain committed to support Ukraine and other countries vulnerable to energy supply disruptions to pursue resilient and fully competitive energy systems.”
They further welcomed the adoption of the Paris Agreement and encouraged all Parties to sign and ratify it as soon as possible, also emphasising the important role of the energy system in the successful implementation of the Agreement.
How might a single threat, even one deemed unlikely, spiral into an evolving global crisis which challenges the foundations of global security, economic stability and democratic governance, all in the matter of a few weeks?
The former lead climate negotiator for the UK and the EU, Peter Betts, welcomes the decision to move COP26 to 2021 and discusses what is needed from the postponed climate summit.
Paris and Berlin have added their names to a growing list of EU capitals asking for the European Green Deal to be placed at the heart of the EU’s post-pandemic recovery plan.
Greenhouse gas emissions are down and air quality has gone up, as governments react to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the head of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), Inger Andersen, has cautioned against viewing this as a boon for the environment. In this First Person editorial from UN News, Ms. Andersen calls instead for a profound, systemic shift to a more sustainable economy that works for both people and the planet.