G7 Japan Summit: Stakeholders reach agreement to halve CO2 emissions by 2035

The Group of Seven environment ministers have 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. Emission volumes are calculated based on the number of vehicles in each of the countries, including electric and internal combustion engine models.

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.

The ministers also agreed to take the initiative in boosting the global amount of rare earths and other key materials recycled from used electronics.

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.