G-7 leaders mull electric vehicle dominance by 2030

The world’s Group of Seven (G7) leaders are considering a switch from petrol and diesel utilisation to greener energy for vehicles by the end of the decade, as part of a package of measures to combat climate change.

This is contained in a document in which it was proposed that governments should work towards ensuring that the majority of all new passenger car sales are not petrol or diesel-powered by 2030 or sooner.

The seven national leaders representing the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Japan, Germany, Italy, and Canada, gathering for their summit in Cornwall, southwestern England, have also promised more funding to help the developing world cut carbon emissions to boost green energy utilisation.

Though the commitments  are yet to be fully agreed  by the G-7 officials who are currently drafting the conclusions of this weekend’s summit, analysts assert that setting the goal for moving away from crude oil extractions, particularly diesel and petrol, could represent a turning point in efforts to quell global oil consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Reacting to discussions about increases in climate finance, environmental proponents said they need to see more than just warm words but commitments from the G-7  leaders when they meet this weekend.