G7 leaders seek global support over carbon emission reductions

Leaders of the G7 ended their two-day summit on Monday with a pledge to take action on issues ranging from climate change and world trade to the Ukraine conflict.

Agreements on the issue of climate change have drawn the most attention, with the G7 countries disappointing experts over financial support to countries for clean development.

In a joint declaration issued after the summit, which took place in the German town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the heads of state and governments of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Britain and the United States said they would seek global decarbonization within this century.

They also pledged to reduce global carbon emissions by 40 to 70 percent by 2050, compared to 2010 levels, asking "all parties" to share the task.

Experts at the climate talks in Bonn were disappointed that G7 leaders gave only vague assurances they would work to mobilize $100 billion per year by 2020 to help poorer nations cope with extreme weather and rising seas, and to develop their economies cleanly - as promised since 2009.

The money would not only come from the public sector, as hoped by developing countries, but would also include private money.

The G7 leaders declared that their countries would strive for a transformation of their energy sectors by 2050 while developing long-term national low-carbon strategies.

Speaking of the conflict in Ukraine, the G7 expressed concerns over the recent increase in fighting in the country's eastern regions, and urged all sides to respect and implement the cease-fire and withdraw heavy weapons.

Leaders of the seven industrialized countries reiterated their full support for efforts to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict in Ukraine, renewing calls for a full implementation of the Minsk agreements signed in February 2015.

They urged the Ukrainian government to "decisively continue the necessary fundamental transformation in line with IMF and EU commitments", and promised further financial and technical support for Ukraine's reform efforts.

As for the sanctions policy, the G7 group said it is linked to "complete implementation of the Minsk agreements and respect for Ukraine's sovereignty", adding that further restrictive measures could be possible.

Speaking at a news conference after the summit, US President Barack Obama said there had been some discussions about what steps might be taken if the situation in Ukraine escalates, pointing out at the same time that G7 leaders hoped the Ukraine conflict could be resolved without imposing further sanctions.

In the traditional area of economic issues, the G7 countries welcomed progress on major ongoing trade negotiations, including the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership between the EU and the United States.

The G7 leaders also vowed to help improve working conditions and environmental protection in global supply chains.

Xinhua - Reuters