Canada earned notable commitments from G7 partners on accelerating the clean energy transition and curbing environmental degradation at this week’s ministerial summit in Italy. However, challenges persist in turning ambition into action on these complex global issues.
Energy Security Fuels Push for Renewables
With energy security front of mind, Minister Guilbeault successfully rallied G7 nations to collectively phase out unabated coal power generation by the mid-2030s. This first-ever concrete timeline marks a milestone, though implementing the pivot away from coal will test national resolve.
The group also set a global target of 1,500 gigawatts (GW) of energy storage capacity by 2030 – over six times current levels – to enable greater integration of renewable sources into power grids.
Minister Guilbeault stressed Canada’s role in ensuring secure supply chains for critical minerals and low-carbon resources needed for clean tech manufacturing. However, critics point out Canada’s failure so far to pass promised tax credits and incentives to spur domestic production.
Key Energy Commitments:
– Phase out unabated coal by mid-2030s
– Target 1,500 GW energy storage by 2030
– Increase critical mineral production
– Phase out fossil fuel subsidies by 2025
Push for “30 by 30” Nature Protection Falters
On the biodiversity front, Canada advocated for swift implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework’s goal of protecting 30% of lands and oceans by 2030 (“30 by 30”). However, concrete funding pledges fell short.
G7 ministers committed to identify and repurpose $500 billion in annual subsidies harming nature by 2030. Environmental groups argue far more is needed from wealthy nations to catalyze transformative change.
“Canada talked a good game in Turin, but risks falling behind as a conservation leader without major new investments to meet its 30 by 30 targets,” said Sabrina Welman, nature policy lead at Greenshift.
Plastics Pact Punted to Year’s End
Progress on curbing plastic pollution was also muted, with Minister Guilbeault merely securing a “strong commitment” from the G7 to finalize a legally binding global plastics treaty by December’s deadline.
“While Canada is hosting these critical treaty negotiations, we heard more kicks at the can than tangible commitments from G7 leaders to get an effective deal done,”
remarked Benoit Gratton, oceans campaigner at EnviroGuardian.
As the G7 baton passes to Canada in 2025, Minister Guilbeault faces immense pressure. He must translate Summit rhetoric into real-world results on energy, nature, and pollution. Consequently, this task requires careful planning and decisive action.
For the latest, visit EnvironmentClimateGC.ca.
Sources: THX News & Environment and Climate Change Canada.
