G7 countries expand renewable energy too slowly

Press release - 5 June, 2015
Hamburg, 5 June, 2015 - The seven largest western industrial countries (G7) have not expanded renewable energy fast enough to significantly reduce their CO2 emissions. The share of renewables (excluding hydropower) in the G7 countries' electricity generation rose to 8% in 2013. However, CO2 emissions of these countries only decreased by 1.3 % by 2012 compared to 1990. The biggest problem is the burning coal for electricity, according to an analysis Greenpeace released online today, two days ahead of the G7 summit. Climate protection will be part of the the Elmau discussions.

Greenpeace head of international climate politics, Martin Kaiser, said:

"Simply put, the G7 are laggards when they should be leaders in making the shift to renewables. It is their moral and social responsibility. If Angela Merkel wants to be Germany's 'Climate Chancellor', she must bind the G7 leaders to a 100% renewable energy commitment."

The G7 countries only represent 10% of the global population, but they are responsible for more than 26% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, their responsibility is comparatively large for leading on the protection of the climate. Greenpeace's analysis shows the differing speeds of renewables expansion amongst the G7 countries. While Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom are progressing quickly, the expansion of renewables in the United States, Japan, France and Canada is far less ambitious.

"The resources and brainpower put towards this G7 summit is totally wasted without a game-changing agreement being reached in Elmau," said Kaiser.

Merkel's national actions have to reflect her international commitments

While the Chancellor emphasizes the long-term reduction of climate-harming CO2 to zero on the international stage, she is not turning her words into action at home. Until today, she has not publicly supported the proposal of Sigmar Gabriel (SPD), German Minister of Economic Affairs, to ask for a fee from old and dirty coal power plants. This will harm Merkel's credibility massively. Without directly addressing climate-harming coal power plants, Germany stands to miss its own climate target.

"The next few days will show if Angela Merkel is a 'Climate Chancellor' or in fact a 'Coal Chancellor'," added Kaiser.

Ahead of the summit, the German Government pressured the G7 members for an ambitious long-term goal for climate protection. Nevertheless, apparently Canada and Japan have rejected this goal. The United States are holding back as well. China's latest developments are encouraging: after stagnating CO2 emissions in 2014, emissions dropped for the first time in the first months of 2015.

ENDS

Notes for editors:

[1] To see the G7 Energiewende scenario go here

Contact:

Tina Loffelbein, phone +49 151 167 209 15
Gregor Kessler, phone +49 151 727 029 18

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