WWF welcomes the commitment of the G7 Ministers to definitively abandon coal by the early 2030s. This demonstrates the commitment of the countries with the highest emissions in implementing the transition towards non-fossil energy sources, as established during COP 28 in Dubai. However, glaring gaps remain regarding the complete abandonment of all fossil fuels, including natural gas. Regarding biodiversity and nature protection, the commitment to a timely and effective implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) before COP 16 is appreciated, as is the reference to the financial objectives of the GBF. However, there is still a lack of clear and quantified commitment from the G7 countries to achieve these objectives.
Mariagrazia Midulla, Climate and Energy Manager of WWF Italy declares: “The conclusions of the G7 Climate, Energy and Environment can help the multilateral climate process to decisively take the path of phase out of fossil fuels. It is important that attention has been paid to the implementation of the decisions of the COP28 in Dubai, in particular to triple renewable sources and double energy efficiency by 2030. The many and right calls to contain global warming to within 1.5°C must made concrete and effective commitments, above all precise milestones and deadlines are needed. Some relevant signals, for example on the exit from coal around 2035. However, there is still too much gas in the G7, we need to work to really and quickly get out of an intolerable dependence, which contributes heavily to the climate crisis.”
The commitment of the G7, and in particular of the Italian Presidency, on the financial targets for the climate and the Global Framework for Biodiversity is still not very ambitious. If we want to effectively build an equal partnership with the African continent and the Global South, we need more funding to be directed to these economic macro-regions and have as a not too distant horizon the abandonment of fossil fuels, incisive actions for adaptation and financial support for the implementation of global biodiversity commitments.
“To do this you need leadership,” continues Midulla. “We hope that in June the leaders will be able to take further and substantial steps forward, while the climate and biodiversity loss crisis gallops forward, starting from the financial commitments expiring in 2025 and post-2025. As regards the Italian public debate, we hope that we stop listening to those who invoke technologies that are yet to come or are impracticable and expensive: renewable sources, with storage and demand management systems, are the answer with the least impact on the climate and biodiversity, and also economically cheaper”. And still on the subject of biodiversity protection, it is expected that the commitment to implement the Global Framework for Biodiversity will be made concrete with an Action Plan and adequate resources which are currently insufficient.
