G7 nations: Is this the end of coal? | ticker VIEWS

The recent G7 summit in the UK, makes a historic move towards phasing out coal.

This week on Ticker Climate, Energy Expert Scott Hamilton and Ticker News Presenter Holly Stearnes, speak with German Energy Agency’s (DENA) Managing Director Kristina Haverkamp. Unpacking the G7 Summit from a climate perspective and what it means for climate change and the race to zero emissions.  

Certain left leaning groups are suggesting the G7 Summit is another lost opportunity, to halt climate change. Although, Haverkamp, a leader in the renewable energy space says, “the results are satisfactory”. 

For the first time, the role of coal in global warming has been specifically mentioned in the G7 official statements saying its “the single biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions”.

The seven nations are agreeing on tough new measures to phase out the biggest contributor to global warming. The G7 statement also stating that “international investments in unabated coal must stop now and we commit now to an end to new direct government support for unabated international thermal coal power generation by the end of 2021.”

Scott Hamilton says phasing out the number one contributor is a critical action.

“A range of urgent policies were agreed, chief among them being the phasing out coal burning, unless it includes carbon capture and storage.”

Scott Hamilton

All seven major industrialised nations including the UK, US, Canada, Japan, France, Italy and Germany have previously agreed to meet the goal of net zero emissions by 2050, and to stop funding for coal power by the end of this year.

Germany has recently increased its level of ambition to achieve climate neutrality by 2045. Also, agreeing to a 68% reduction in emissions by 2030. Having already commenced the phase out of coal fired electricity generation, it now appears it’s happening much quicker in Germany, than anticipated. The previous coal closure target was set at 2038. 

Haverkamp reiterates that Germany is well on track to end coal fired electricity generation, ahead of schedule.

“We will probably be already out of coal fired electricity generation…by 2030”

Kristina Haverkamp

https://twitter.com/SDHamiltonVIC/status/1404614219538976768?s=20

Farewell to a prominent leader

It’s the end of an era for German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, as she prepares to step down, after serving 16 years for her country. Working with global leaders, in the face on many challenges, Merkel is an iconic leader, that will be sorely missed. Haverkamp says Merkel’s climate leadership is admirable. 

“Chancellor Merkel has done a great job. In particular, for the climate and her moderate approach at finding concentral, moderated solutions for societal challenges, have been a prerequisite our moving forward in the energy transition.”

Kristina Haverkamp

Is Australia lagging behind the rest of the world? 

When its comes to climate change action, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, is consistently criticised for his lack of commitment. He tries to talk up the level of action being taken by his Government fighting climate change. Although, despite the relatively weak 2030 targets and failure to give a clear commitment to net zero emissions by 2050.

Morrison told the G7 that Australia has already cut emissions by 20%. Although, he seems leaving out that he relies on changes to land use clearing, for the overwhelming majority of the reductions.

Emissions in almost every sector of the Australian economy are rising. This is all except in electricity generation, which is mostly due to cheap solar power and action from state and territory Governments.

In a major miss-step, Morrison fails to secure a highly anticipated one-on-one meeting with US President, Joe Biden. The Australian Prime Minister needs to get on the same page when it comes to climate change, if he wants to be included in vital meetings with other world leaders.  

[Graphic credit: The Australian Institute]

Germany and Australia sign deal on hydrogen production

Germany and Australia officially sign a bilateral alliance on hydrogen production and trade to try to facilitate a renewable energy-based hydrogen supply chain, between the two countries. 

Scott Hamilton says Germany is head and shoulders above others, when it comes to promoting renewable hydrogen and global powerfuels.

“Germany has a 9 billion euro plan and a thirst for renewable hydrogen.”

Scott Hamilton

Australia has the potential to be a global renewable energy exporting superpower. Let’s hope he realises the countries opportunity before the Glasgow Conference later this year. Australia should want special one on one meetings and to be in the room when real climate change negotiations happen. 

Watch the full episode of Ticker Climate here: