G7 Environment Ministers Agree to Make Efforts to Reduce Vehicle Emissions

New Delhi: The Group of Seven environment ministers has agreed to make efforts to reduce vehicle emissions. They want the level of carbon dioxide that was recorded in 2000 to be cut in half by 2035. The ministers wrapped up a two-day meeting in Sapporo city on climate and energy issues.

A major focus has been on how to reduce the carbon footprint of automobiles. The G7 issued a statement saying their countries will check on their own progress every year in order to meet the goal.

The agreement calls on the countries to help reduce emissions across a broad range of vehicles, including hybrids. But it does not include a timeline for abolishing coal-fired power plants. Instead, it says they should be phased out if there are not enough measures to reduce emissions from the use of coal, oil, and natural gas.

They also set a new goal of preventing ocean pollution from plastic garbage by 2040.

The ministers incorporated these agreements in their joint statement, which will likely be reflected in the discussions at the G7 summit in Hiroshima next month.