G7 Leaders' Declaration recognises importance of mitigating SLCP emissions

G7 leaders have recognized the importance of mitigating short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) in their declaration following the G7 Ise-Shima Summit, which took place in Japan from May 26-27, 2016. The Leaders Declaration also supports the adoption of an ambitious HFC phase-down amendment within the Montreal Protocol this year. Reducing SLCPs like black carbon, methane and HFCs could potentially reduce near-term warming by half and deliver benefits to health and development.

The leaders committed to acting fast on climate change by formulating and communicating mid-century long-term low GHG emission development strategies well ahead of the 2020 deadline. 

On SLCPs and HFCs the Leaders' Declaration said:

"We also recognize the importance of mitigating emissions of short-lived climate pollutants including black carbon, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and methane to help slow the rate of near-term warming. In particular, we resolve to drive down our methane emissions and further recognize the importance of adopting domestic measures.

We welcome the decision in Dubai by the Montreal Protocol parties to work to address HFCs under the Montreal Protocol, and we support adoption of an ambitious Montreal Protocol HFC phase-down amendment in 2016, and intend to provide additional support through the Multilateral Fund following adoption of an amendment for its implementation."

The Climate and Clean Air Coalition welcomes this statement and believes that the reduction of SLCPs should go hand-in-hand with deep and persistent cuts to carbon dioxide and other long-lived greenhouse gases if we are to stay under a 2 degrees Celsius warming limit.