G8 Response

The Group of Seven (G7), and subsequently the Group of Eight (G8), have monitored energy problems since their first summit in 1975. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, their discussions focused on reducing the dependence of G7 member states on oil prices by stimulating energy efficiency, saving and diversification. The poignancy of energy issues faded as oil prices went down and global economic growth accelerated.

However, by the end of the 20th century the Group’s summit documents, in addition to encouraging more transparent, open and efficient energy markets also highlighted energy problems that were directly connected to environmental protection through the creation of cleaner, more stable, profitable and renewable energy systems.

An excellent example of G8 attitudes to global energy development is its “Science and Technology for Sustainable Development” action plan, adopted in Evian in 2003. It calls for “rapid development and diffusion of energy technologies,” including the promotion of energy efficiency, support to efforts “aimed at substantially increasing the share of renewable energy sources in global energy use,” and accelerated “development of fuel cell and hydrogen technologies.”

This Action Plan was augmented by the initiatives of the United States, which took over the G8 rotating Presidency in 2004, on the establishment of international partnerships at the government level. In 2003, G8 and several developing countries (India, China, Brazil, South Africa, Mexico, etc.) established the Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum and the International Partnership for the Hydrogen Economy.

The Methane to Markets Partnership was established following the G8 Sea Island summit in 2004, and a Ministerial Conference on the 3R Initiative – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle – was held at the initiative of Japan.

A logical extension of the Action Plan adopted in Evian was the Gleneagles 2005 plan entitled “Climate Change, Clean Energy and Sustainable Development,” which called for “accelerating the deployment of cleaner technologies,” adapting the world economy “to the effects of climate change,” and ensuring greater transparency of information about energy resources, their use and production in the entire cycle of energy resources, especially on the crucial oil markets.