COP28: Macron calls on G7 countries to phase out coal by 2030

Emmanuel Macron calls on G7 countries to “commit to phase out coal” by 2030 to “set an example.” The French President spoke this Friday at the climate conference taking place in Dubai (United Arab Emirates).

Continued investment in favor of coal is “true absurdity” from the point of view of the fight against global warming and “that’s why we have to start an absolute shift” to get out of this situation, the French president told the podium.

“Developing countries must move away from coal, and this is the second battle after the one that must be fought by the richest countries,” said Emmanuel Macron. “But the G7 countries must lead by example and commit to ending the use of coal in their countries before others, that is, by 2030,” he said, recalling France’s commitment to close its last coal-fired power plant. “by 2027”.

“Finally turning the page on oil by 2040–2045”

“The G7 has a great responsibility. Just like China, which is now the second issuing country in history and therefore somehow changed its status,” the French President emphasized. “We must allow developing countries to catch up economically, this is an element of fairness. But this catch-up should not come at the expense of carbon-based energy sources and coal in particular,” he further said.

Since “existing power plants, which today are largely concentrated in Asia, will on their own emit enough CO2 for us to exceed the 1.5°C target”, the most ambitious goal of the Paris Agreement has vindicated Mr Macron.

As for France, “by 2040-45 we will definitely have to turn the page on oil and gas in 2050,” he assured.