The Group of Seven (G7) wealthy nations has agreed to accelerate the phase-out of fossil fuels, increase the use of renewable energy sources, and reduce gas consumption. This was announced by France's energy transition minister, Agnes Pannier-Runacher, after a two-day climate and energy talks in Sapporo, northern Japan.

Although the ministers could not agree on a specific date to exit coal power, the G7 countries have agreed for the first time ever to accelerate the phase-out of unabated fossil fuels. The ministers also appeared to be considering numerical targets for increasing solar power capacity to at least 1 terawatt and offshore wind power capacity to 150 gigawatts by 2030.

Japan, which is energy-poor, had been pushing for investments to stay in the gas industry, but not all G7 countries supported this proposal. Pannier-Runacher stated that the imperatives on gas supply are only short-term and that the exploration of new gas capacity cannot be invested in. She added that nuclear energy is backed by the G7 as a "solution for the energy transition" with the security of supply.

The G7's decision marks a significant step towards tackling the climate crisis, as the use of fossil fuels is one of the primary causes of greenhouse gas emissions. The commitment to increase the use of renewable energy sources will play a crucial role in reducing these emissions and addressing the urgent need for climate action.