G7 Countries Falling Short of 2030 Emission Reduction Targets, Report Finds

A new report from Climate Analytics has revealed that the G7 countries are not on track to meet their 2030 emission reduction targets. The report finds that the G7 countries are only achieving 19-33% of their 40-42% emission reduction targets, falling short by 4 gigatonnes of CO2 equivalent for the 1.5°C goal set under the Paris Agreement.

The Climate Analytics report, released ahead of the G7 Climate, Energy, and Environment Ministers meeting next week, highlights the urgent need for substantial reductions in fossil fuel emissions this decade to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The report stresses that the G7 countries are not doing enough to meet their commitments and need to significantly increase their climate action efforts to get on track.

The report provides 7 recommendations for the G7 economies, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 58% by 2030 compared to 2019 levels, strengthening national 2030 climate targets to align with 1.5°C, phasing out domestic coal and fossil gas power generation by 2030 and 2035 respectively, and committing new and additional international climate finance. It also highlights the need to triple global renewable capacity by 2030, with the OECD region currently on track to double renewables by 2030 if challenges related to reform and supply chains are addressed.

Why this matters: The G7 countries, as major global economies, have a critical role to play in leading the fight against climate change. Their failure to meet emission reduction targets could have severe consequences for the planet and its inhabitants, particularly the most vulnerable countries and regions already facing the impacts of climate change.

The Climate Analytics report underscores the importance of the upcoming G7 summit in demonstrating the ambition and leadership needed to keep the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C limit in sight. "The G7 must deliver on the high expectations it faces on climate change to prove its relevance in a changing global landscape," the article states. With the G7 Climate, Energy and Environment Ministerial taking place in Turin, Italy, the world will be watching to see if these countries can intensify their efforts and set a strong example for global climate action.

Key Takeaways

• G7 countries not on track to meet 2030 emission reduction targets
• G7 achieving only 19-33% of 40-42% emission reduction goals
• Report recommends G7 reduce emissions by 58% by 2030 vs 2019
• G7 must phase out coal and fossil gas power by 2030 and 2035
• G7 summit will test their climate ambition and global leadership