G7 climate commitments must become international action

World Vision has given a cautious welcome to the G7 leaders' statement on tackling climate change over the coming three decades, and called for concrete action. 

Mark Sheard, CEO of World Vision UK, said: "World Vision welcomes the commitment of the G7 governments to a 'Global Green Industrial Revolution' which hopes to cut global carbon emissions in half by 2030.

"Whilst the announcement is a positive sign, it still falls short of what is needed to keep the promise of limiting the global temperature rise to below 1.5 degrees, as stated in the Paris Agreement.

"Addressing climate change requires collective actions involving multilaterals, governments, civil society organisations, businesses, and communities. World Vision would like to see a concrete road map for how the government intends to pursue these ambitious targets, one which engages these different groups to ensure their plans are internationally equitable.

"The impact of the unfolding climate crisis disproportionately burdens the world’s most vulnerable nations and communities – particularly children living in fragile and developing contexts – despite being the least responsible for it. These communities must not be left behind, and must be supported as a key actor in the race to net-zero.

"This agreement from the G7 is a good sign, but without collaboration with the G20, which comprises larger nations with large carbon-emissions such as India, Russia and China, the targets aren't likely to be achievable."

He added that civil society would be also looking to COP26 in November to see what had been done to turn the Cornwall commitments into reality.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

For further information or to organise an interview, please contact:

Reace Novello on +44 (0) 7583 985528 or reace.novello@worldvision.org.uk

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organisation dedicated to working with children, families and their communities to reach their full potential by tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.  For more information, please visit www.wvi.org or follow us on Twitter @WorldVision