On Monday, the Group of Seven leading economies launched an initiative called the “Global Shield” at the United Nations’ COP27 climate summit which will provide immediate funding to the countries when they are hit by the devastating impact of climate change.&nbsp;

Coordinated by the G7 president nation Germany, it will provide rapid access to funds for insurance and disaster protection after flooding, drought and hurricanes. The programme was developed in collaboration with ‘V20’ which is a group of 58 climate-vulnerable countries chaired by Ghana.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop27-summit-germany-warns-its-delegates-against-egyptian-security-agents-amid-spying-allegations-534087">Germany warns its delegates against Egyptian agents spying on them at COP27: Reports</a>

A statement was issued by Berlin, in which it named seven countries – Bangladesh, Costa Rica, Fiji, Ghana, Pakistan, the Philippines and Senegal, as the first recipients of packages, which would be developed in the upcoming months. So far, Germany has contributed $175.17 million in funding to Global Shield while other countries including Denmark and Ireland have contributed a little over $41 million.&nbsp;

The first draft released on Monday reportedly highlighted two major points – the divide between rich and poor nations, while the V20 countries proposed that this fund should not be “operationalised” by November 2024.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cop27-summit-us-wants-china-back-on-negotiation-table-loss-and-damage-payments-to-dominate-531600">Cop27 Summit: US wants China back on negotiation table, ‘loss and damage payments’ to dominate</a>

While some countries have been wary that it risked efforts to secure a substantive deal on financial help for so-called “loss and damage”, Germany’s economic cooperation and development minister Svenja Schulze said that the aim with these funds is to add to but not replace the progress on loss and damage.&nbsp;

“It is not a kind of tactic to avoid formal negotiation on loss and damage funding arrangements here…Global Shield isn't the one and only solution for loss and damage. Certainly not. We need a broad range of solutions,” said Schulze. However, some vulnerable countries are not yet persuaded as there is reportedly not a lot of clarity on the “insurance elements” of the deal.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-xi-meeting-no-fireworks-but-discussion-on-important-issues-takes-place-534085">Biden-Xi meeting: No fireworks, but discussion on important issues takes place</a>

“Using insurance is a method in which the victim pays, just in installments in the beginning,” said a special envoy on climate finance Avinash Persaud to the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, reported Reuters. He also said that the loss and damage finance should be grant-based.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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On Monday, the Group of Seven leading economies launched an initiative called the “Global Shield” at the United Nations’ COP27 climate summit which will provide immediate funding to the countries when they are hit by the devastating impact of climate change.

On Monday, the Group of Seven leading economies launched an initiative called the “Global Shield” at the United Nations’ COP27 climate summit which will provide immediate funding to the countries when they are hit by the devastating impact of climate change. Coordinated by the G7 president nation Germany, it will provide rapid access to funds for insurance and disaster protection after flooding, drought and hurricanes. The programme was developed in collaboration with ‘V20’ which is a group of 58 climate-vulnerable countries chaired by Ghana. ALSO READ: Germany warns its delegates against Egyptian agents spying on them at COP27: Reports A statement was issued by Berlin, in which it named seven countries – Bangladesh, Costa Rica, Fiji, Ghana, Pakistan, the Philippines and Senegal, as the first recipients of packages, which would be developed in the upcoming months. So far, Germany has contributed $175.17 million in funding to Global Shield while other countries including Denmark and Ireland have contributed a little over $41 million. The first draft released on Monday reportedly highlighted two major points – the divide between rich and poor nations, while the V20 countries proposed that this fund should not be “operationalised” by November 2024. ALSO WATCH: Cop27 Summit: US wants China back on negotiation table, ‘loss and damage payments’ to dominate While some countries have been wary that it risked efforts to secure a substantive deal on financial help for so-called “loss and damage”, Germany’s economic cooperation and development minister Svenja Schulze said that the aim with these funds is to add to but not replace the progress on loss and damage. “It is not a kind of tactic to avoid formal negotiation on loss and damage funding arrangements here…Global Shield isn't the one and only solution for loss and damage. Certainly not. We need a broad range of solutions,” said Schulze. However, some vulnerable countries are not yet persuaded as there is reportedly not a lot of clarity on the “insurance elements” of the deal. ALSO READ: Biden-Xi meeting: No fireworks, but discussion on important issues takes place “Using insurance is a method in which the victim pays, just in installments in the beginning,” said a special envoy on climate finance Avinash Persaud to the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, reported Reuters. He also said that the loss and damage finance should be grant-based. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistan among the first seven countries to receive climate funding under ‘Global Shield’ initiative by G7

Amid the war in Ukraine, President&nbsp;Volodymyr Zelensky told G7 nations "now is not the time for negotiations" referring to Russia.

The Ukraine president also asked G7 nations to "limit the price of Russian oil" and to "intensify sanctions" against Russia over its invasion of his country, reports said.

"Ukraine will negotiate when it is in a position to do so, that is when it has basically re-established a position of strength," the French presidency said after Zelensky joined the G7 leaders via video link.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-announces-fresh-g7-sanctions-aimed-at-russian-defence-sector-492163">Also Read:&nbsp;US announces fresh G7 sanctions aimed at Russian defence sector</a>

Zelensky reiterated that "heavy" punitive action should be continued against Russia and not to "not lower the pressure".

G7 leaders demanded that Russia should immediately allow the "safe return of Ukrainian nationals taken often with force to Russia without their consent" even as NATO chief Stoltenberg the European military alliance will boost its high readiness forces to over 300,000.

Watch:&nbsp;G7 allies seek to close ranks against Russia

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France meanwhile urged oil producers to ramp up output by "exceptional" volumes as Russia cut gas supplies to EU countries.

The French president's office said it wants Iran and Venezuela back on the market amid the oil crisis.

(With inputs from Agency)

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Amid the war in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky told G7 nations "now is not the time for negotiations" referring to Russia. The Ukraine president also asked G7 nations to "limit the price of Russian oil" and to "intensify sanctions" against Russia over its invasion of his country, reports said.

Amid the war in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky told G7 nations "now is not the time for negotiations" referring to Russia. The Ukraine president also asked G7 nations to "limit the price of Russian oil" and to "intensify sanctions" against Russia over its invasion of his country, reports said. "Ukraine will negotiate when it is in a position to do so, that is when it has basically re-established a position of strength," the French presidency said after Zelensky joined the G7 leaders via video link. Also Read: US announces fresh G7 sanctions aimed at Russian defence sector Zelensky reiterated that "heavy" punitive action should be continued against Russia and not to "not lower the pressure". G7 leaders demanded that Russia should immediately allow the "safe return of Ukrainian nationals taken often with force to Russia without their consent" even as NATO chief Stoltenberg the European military alliance will boost its high readiness forces to over 300,000. Watch: G7 allies seek to close ranks against Russia France meanwhile urged oil producers to ramp up output by "exceptional" volumes as Russia cut gas supplies to EU countries. The French president's office said it wants Iran and Venezuela back on the market amid the oil crisis. (With inputs from Agency) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Now is not the time for negotiations with Russia, Zelensky to G7 countries

The environment ministers from the Group of 7 (G7) wealthy countries pledged to curb the use of coal and other fossil fuels for power generation, with the aim of eventual and complete phaseout. However, they have not set a cut-off date on when they would do.

They also said that the energy crunch caused by the Russia-Ukraine war should not derail efforts to fight climate change.

The G-7 countries— Germany, Britain, France, Italy, Japan, Canada and the US— who met in Berlin, also announced a target to have a “highly decarbonised road sector by 2030,” paving the way for zero-emission/ e-vehicles to dominate the sales by the end of the decade.

They also assured to take "concrete and timely steps towards the goal of an eventual phase-out of domestic unabated coal power generation."

Reuters, citing sources familiar with the discussions, claimed that Japan and the United States have indicated that they could not support that date.

The G7 also aimed to start reporting publicly next year on how the countries are delivering on a past commitment to end "inefficient" fossil fuel subsidies by 2025.

The joint communique also urged countries against locking in fossil fuel subsidies designed to weather the impact of the conflict.

"In view of the Russian attack on Ukraine, financial support for companies and citizens affected by severely rising prices for fossil fuels is now on the political agenda for several countries," it said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-global-warming-increase-killer-heatwaves-will-get-more-frequent-report-481799">Global warming made killer heatwaves in India, Pakistan 30 times more likely: Report</a>

"Nevertheless, we aim for our relief measures to be temporary and targeted and we reaffirm our commitment to the elimination of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies by 2025."

Germany, which is the current chair of the G7, has asserted that finding alternative fossil fuels would not happen at the&nbsp;expense of environmental goals.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-how-can-coastal-areas-survive-rise-in-sea-level-482461">Climate change: How can coastal areas survive rise in sea level?</a>

The phasing-out&nbsp;issue is likely to be taken up later this year at a meeting of the Group of 20 leading and emerging economies, who are responsible for 80 per cent of global emissions. The G20 will meet in Bali in November.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The environment ministers from the Group of 7 (G7) wealthy countries pledged to curb the use of coal and other fossil fuels for power generation, with the aim of eventual and complete phaseout.

The environment ministers from the Group of 7 (G7) wealthy countries pledged to curb the use of coal and other fossil fuels for power generation, with the aim of eventual and complete phaseout. However, they have not set a cut-off date on when they would do. They also said that the energy crunch caused by the Russia-Ukraine war should not derail efforts to fight climate change. The G-7 countries— Germany, Britain, France, Italy, Japan, Canada and the US— who met in Berlin, also announced a target to have a “highly decarbonised road sector by 2030,” paving the way for zero-emission/ e-vehicles to dominate the sales by the end of the decade. They also assured to take "concrete and timely steps towards the goal of an eventual phase-out of domestic unabated coal power generation." Reuters, citing sources familiar with the discussions, claimed that Japan and the United States have indicated that they could not support that date. The G7 also aimed to start reporting publicly next year on how the countries are delivering on a past commitment to end "inefficient" fossil fuel subsidies by 2025. The joint communique also urged countries against locking in fossil fuel subsidies designed to weather the impact of the conflict. "In view of the Russian attack on Ukraine, financial support for companies and citizens affected by severely rising prices for fossil fuels is now on the political agenda for several countries," it said. Also read | Global warming made killer heatwaves in India, Pakistan 30 times more likely: Report "Nevertheless, we aim for our relief measures to be temporary and targeted and we reaffirm our commitment to the elimination of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies by 2025." Germany, which is the current chair of the G7, has asserted that finding alternative fossil fuels would not happen at the expense of environmental goals. Also read | Climate change: How can coastal areas survive rise in sea level? The phasing-out issue is likely to be taken up later this year at a meeting of the Group of 20 leading and emerging economies, who are responsible for 80 per cent of global emissions. The G20 will meet in Bali in November. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

G7 pledges to phaseout coal and fossil fuel for electricity generation, but no date fixed

To highlight the importance of producing more recyclable and reusable products, a sculptor has made 'Mount Rushmore'&nbsp;in Cornwall.

Ahead of the G7 leaders' meet, Joe Rush, made a structure out of electronic waste depicting world leaders, namely UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, French leader Emmanuel Macron, Italy's PM Mario Draghi, Canadian leader Justin Trudeau, Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel and US President Joe Biden.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/meet-grace-the-healthcare-robot-covid-19-created-390437">WATCH |</a>

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He produced the structure to highlight that all electronic items need to be "repairable or made to last longer because the stuff is going into landfill," he said.

The structure has been erected right opposite the Carbis Bay Hotel, where the leaders will meet to conduct the summit, and will also be visible when the leaders fly over it.

“We have this looking at them and hopefully we're going to prick their conscience and make them realise they're all together in this waste business," Rush said. "The key message is 'talk to each other' and let's sort this mess out."

To highlight the importance of producing more recyclable and reusable products, a sculptor has made 'Mount Rushmore' in Cornwall. Ahead of the G7 leaders' meet, Joe Rush, made a structure out of electronic waste depicting world leaders, namely UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, French leader Emmanuel Macron, Italy's PM Mario Draghi, Canadian leader Justin Trudeau, Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel and US President Joe Biden.

To highlight the importance of producing more recyclable and reusable products, a sculptor has made 'Mount Rushmore' in Cornwall. Ahead of the G7 leaders' meet, Joe Rush, made a structure out of electronic waste depicting world leaders, namely UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, French leader Emmanuel Macron, Italy's PM Mario Draghi, Canadian leader Justin Trudeau, Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel and US President Joe Biden. WATCH | He produced the structure to highlight that all electronic items need to be "repairable or made to last longer because the stuff is going into landfill," he said. The structure has been erected right opposite the Carbis Bay Hotel, where the leaders will meet to conduct the summit, and will also be visible when the leaders fly over it. “We have this looking at them and hopefully we're going to prick their conscience and make them realise they're all together in this waste business," Rush said. "The key message is 'talk to each other' and let's sort this mess out."

'Mount Recyclemore': Sculptor makes structure out of electronic waste before G7 summit

With an aim to save the planet Earth for future generations, the world’s richest countries have decided to pull the plug on funding coal development projects overseas.

After two days of the G7 meeting of environment and energy ministers, hosted by the UK, all countries present in the meet have decided to end the financial support of coal development and have assured their commitment to limiting global heating to 1.5C.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astrophysicists-detect-gamma-rays-from-surprising-cosmic-sources-386599" hreflang="en">Astrophysicists detect gamma rays from surprising cosmic sources</a>

G7 members — namely the UK, US, France, Canada, Italy, Germany, and the EU — have come together to make sure there is no more funding for any such projects that can harm the environment for future generations.

Japan, however, has raised concerns about this change. The Japanese government believes if the country does not invest money in coal development, China will step in to build less-efficient and more harmful coal-fired power plants, which will be more harmful, Japan claims.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/meet-climate-changes-latest-offering-to-earth-zombie-wildfires-386102" hreflang="en">Meet climate change's latest offering to Earth - 'Zombie wildfires'</a>

"I will strongly recommend to the president that this is a policy that we should pursue … But I guarantee that we will be completely consistent with 1.5C. 1.5C governs the choices we have to make in the next 10 years. Any decision has to be within that framework," John Kerry, the US climate envoy said.

France has come out in support of the decision and hopes this will send out a message that coal is an energy 'of the past'.

"I am delighted that an agreement could be found regarding a key aspect of our G7 communique: the absolute end of new direct government support for international coal power generation. It gives a very strong signal to the world that coal is an energy of the past and has no place in our future energy mix. It sets the stage for a radical transition towards clean energy," Barbara Pompili, France’s environment minister said.

With an aim to save the planet Earth for future generations, the world’s richest countries have decided to pull the plug on funding coal development projects overseas.

With an aim to save the planet Earth for future generations, the world’s richest countries have decided to pull the plug on funding coal development projects overseas. After two days of the G7 meeting of environment and energy ministers, hosted by the UK, all countries present in the meet have decided to end the financial support of coal development and have assured their commitment to limiting global heating to 1.5C. Also read | Astrophysicists detect gamma rays from surprising cosmic sources G7 members — namely the UK, US, France, Canada, Italy, Germany, and the EU — have come together to make sure there is no more funding for any such projects that can harm the environment for future generations. Japan, however, has raised concerns about this change. The Japanese government believes if the country does not invest money in coal development, China will step in to build less-efficient and more harmful coal-fired power plants, which will be more harmful, Japan claims. Also read | Meet climate change's latest offering to Earth - 'Zombie wildfires' "I will strongly recommend to the president that this is a policy that we should pursue … But I guarantee that we will be completely consistent with 1.5C. 1.5C governs the choices we have to make in the next 10 years. Any decision has to be within that framework," John Kerry, the US climate envoy said. France has come out in support of the decision and hopes this will send out a message that coal is an energy 'of the past'. "I am delighted that an agreement could be found regarding a key aspect of our G7 communique: the absolute end of new direct government support for international coal power generation. It gives a very strong signal to the world that coal is an energy of the past and has no place in our future energy mix. It sets the stage for a radical transition towards clean energy," Barbara Pompili, France’s environment minister said.

Rich countries halt funding for coal production overseas

G7,&nbsp;a grouping of seven countries is considering to build a quick response mechanism in a bid to counter Russian “propaganda”, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said on Sunday. In conversation with Reuters, Raab said that the UK was urging G7&nbsp;to convene on a “rapid rebuttal mechanism” in the midst of Russian misinformation.

Currently, G7 foreign ministers are set to meet in London, marking the first such in person meeting in two years owing to the precautions in place for the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Raab also claimed that the G7 countries expect to come together to counter&nbsp;Russian propaganda. He also made a reference to China. "So that when we see these lies and propaganda or fake news being put out there, we can not just individually but come together to provide a rebuttal and frankly to provide the truth, for the people of this country but also in Russia or China or around the world," Raab said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/at-g7-biden-will-push-allies-to-act-on-chinas-treatment-of-uighurs-report-379741" hreflang="en">At G7, Biden will push allies to act on China's treatment of Uighurs: Report</a>

Security officials from the UK, US, and European countries believe that Russia and China are actively engaged in sowing mistrust against western countries.&nbsp; The primary tactics employed by them include spreading disinformation in elections and&nbsp;in recent times spreading lies about the COVID-19 vaccines.

Russia has denied all claims expressing that the West is drowning in anti-Russian hysteria.

China too has responded to interference claims, suggesting that the west is a “bully” with post-imperial mindsets. The country has also accused western countries of acting like global policemen.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/jaishankar-to-visit-london-to-discuss-global-medical-supply-chain-in-g7-ministerial-381800" hreflang="en">Jaishankar to visit London to discuss global medical supply chain in G7 ministerial</a>

The UK views Russia as biggest threat to its security but considers China as its greatest long-term challenge in terms of military, economy, and technology. Recently, officials from western countries have expressed worries over the growing cooperation between Russia and China.

(With inputs from agencies)

G7, a grouping of seven countries is considering to build a quick response mechanism in a bid to counter Russian “propaganda”, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said on Sunday.

G7, a grouping of seven countries is considering to build a quick response mechanism in a bid to counter Russian “propaganda”, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said on Sunday. In conversation with Reuters, Raab said that the UK was urging G7 to convene on a “rapid rebuttal mechanism” in the midst of Russian misinformation. Currently, G7 foreign ministers are set to meet in London, marking the first such in person meeting in two years owing to the precautions in place for the COVID-19 pandemic. Raab also claimed that the G7 countries expect to come together to counter Russian propaganda. He also made a reference to China. "So that when we see these lies and propaganda or fake news being put out there, we can not just individually but come together to provide a rebuttal and frankly to provide the truth, for the people of this country but also in Russia or China or around the world," Raab said. Also read: At G7, Biden will push allies to act on China's treatment of Uighurs: Report Security officials from the UK, US, and European countries believe that Russia and China are actively engaged in sowing mistrust against western countries. The primary tactics employed by them include spreading disinformation in elections and in recent times spreading lies about the COVID-19 vaccines. Russia has denied all claims expressing that the West is drowning in anti-Russian hysteria. China too has responded to interference claims, suggesting that the west is a “bully” with post-imperial mindsets. The country has also accused western countries of acting like global policemen. Also read: Jaishankar to visit London to discuss global medical supply chain in G7 ministerial The UK views Russia as biggest threat to its security but considers China as its greatest long-term challenge in terms of military, economy, and technology. Recently, officials from western countries have expressed worries over the growing cooperation between Russia and China. (With inputs from agencies)

G7 to come up with mechanism to quickly counter Russian 'propaganda', UK's Raab says

By Susan Harris Rimmer 
&nbsp; 
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has had a busy fortnight of international diplomacy. Barely had the dust settled from his performance at the Pacific Island Forum in Tuvalu, then the prime minister announced troop commitments to the Straits of Hormuz, then fronted a delicate press conference in Vietnam speaking about the South China Sea, en route to France.

After a year in the top job, Morrison may be slowly understanding what it takes to make an impact at a global level in order to pursue Australia’s interests.

The Golden G7 Ticket

Morrison scored a rare and valuable invitation to the 45th Group of Seven (G7) Summit in Biarritz, France. The G7 membership consists of the industrialised economies of US, France, Germany, Japan, the UK, Italy and Canada, along with the Presidents of the European Union and European Commission, and usually Spain. The World Bank, IMF, OECD, African Union, ILO, African Development Bank and NEPAD are also usually invited, the UN Secretary-General was also there.

The G7 used to be the G8, but Russia is still suspended. On March 24 2014, the G7 members cancelled the planned G8 summit that was to be held in June that year in the Russian city of Sochi, and suspended Russia’s membership of the group, due to Russia’s annexation of Crimea. However, Russia has not been permanently expelled.

French President Emmanuel Macron used his invitations strategically to promote a “league of democracies” concept. He invited leaders from Australia, India, Chile and South Africa to join the outreach activities at the summit, in particular, to attend a Sunday night dinner to discuss environmental challenges.

Australia is a member of the G20, which includes India, Indonesia and China. But it has often cast a wistful eye to Canada’s participation in the G7/8, despite the relative similarity in economic strength between the two nations.

This year, the Henry Jackson Society released its second Audit of Geopolitical Capability report, which assesses the geopolitical capability of the Group of 20 nations plus Nigeria. It ranked Australia as the eighth-most capable in the world, ahead of India and Russia.

But since the election of Donald Trump as US president, the G7 has lost much of its consensus and related power. The 2019 summit was like an Agatha Christie play, full of shocks, tensions, surprise reveals and difficulties.

Tensions and Diplomatic Shocks

The US president walked out early from last year’s G7 summit in Canada over criticism of his tariffs policy, and then refused to sign the final statement. Macron, therefore, organised the summit to have a two-hour lunch alone with the president and abandoned the idea of a final communique.

Saturday working sessions were held on jobs, global inequality, climate change and women’s empowerment, leading to criticisms from the US delegation that the agenda was too “niche”. Sunday was devoted to the extremely difficult trade discussions and the Amazon forest fires.

The European G7 nations, as well as other EU members such as Ireland and Spain, sparred over whether to block the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement unless Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro takes forceful action on the forest fires raging in the Amazon and on climate change in general.

Trump pulled out of the Paris Climate Agreement in 2017, shortly after he attended his first G7 in Italy. Climate was still a sticking point at this summit, with leadership from the G7 unlikely on climate as an economic risk.

The Saturday dinner was thrown into an uproar by Trump championing the re-entry of Russia to the G7, with the EU arguing back that Crimea would be better.

Sunday saw the surprise arrival of Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to meet with Macron. Zarif, sanctioned by the US, said salvaging the 2015 nuclear deal would be difficult but “worth trying”.

Trump withdrew the US from the Iran nuclear accord in 2018, leaving European signatories scrambling to preserve the pact. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she welcomed efforts toward deescalation. Europeans have so far declined to join Australia, the US, Bahrain and the UK by engaging in the Strait of Hormuz. The situation in Hong Kong was barely raised.

Salty Summit

Just before the summit, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson – attending his first G7 summit – and European Council President Donald Tusk traded barbs over the UK’s exit from the European Union. Tusk said he would not negotiate a no-deal scenario, and said he hoped the prime minister did not want to go down in history as “Mr No Deal”. Johnson took a swim in the sea and created a lengthy metaphor for journalists about Brexit as a result.

Most world leaders attending the summit declared they would ask the US to resolve the trade war with China. However, Trump announced additional duties on Chinese imports one day before he arrived in France. He then threatened to levy import duties on French wine “Like they’ve never seen before”. The US president also said the British would lose “the anchor around their ankle” after leaving the EU.

Outside the summit, more than 9,000 anti-G7 protesters marched peacefully over a bridge linking France and Spain, about 30 kilometres from Biarritz. Yellow Jacket protesters held pictures of Macron upside-down.

Australian Leadership on Digital Hate

In the midst of such turmoil, it would be difficult to make an impact as an invited guest. However, Morrison kept up his advocacy on the Christchurch Call.

At the close of the G7, Morrison announced an undisclosed amount of funding from the OECD and $300,000 to fund the development of voluntary transparency reporting protocols for social media companies to prevent, detect, and remove terrorist and violent extremist content.

A Summit of ‘Senseless Disputes’

This was the EU President Tusk’s final G7 Summit and he reflected sadly on Saturday that leaders of the world’s richest and most powerful democracies are increasingly unable to find “common language”, and were instead at risk of getting caught up in “senseless disputes among each other”.

The summit seems to have borne out his worse fears. Hopefully, Scott Morrison was inspired by the fractured state of the big stage to become part of the solution.

(Susan Harris Rimmer is Australian Research Council Future Fellow, Griffith Law School, Griffith University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/g7-throws-up-plenty-of-controversy-and-debate-but-little-compromise-122042">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

By Susan Harris Rimmer Prime Minister Scott Morrison has had a busy fortnight of international diplomacy. Barely had the dust settled from his performance at the Pacific Island Forum in Tuvalu, then the prime minister announced troop commitments to the Straits of Hormuz, then fronted a delicate press conference in Vietnam speaking about the South China Sea, en route to France.

By Susan Harris Rimmer Prime Minister Scott Morrison has had a busy fortnight of international diplomacy. Barely had the dust settled from his performance at the Pacific Island Forum in Tuvalu, then the prime minister announced troop commitments to the Straits of Hormuz, then fronted a delicate press conference in Vietnam speaking about the South China Sea, en route to France. After a year in the top job, Morrison may be slowly understanding what it takes to make an impact at a global level in order to pursue Australia’s interests. The Golden G7 Ticket Morrison scored a rare and valuable invitation to the 45th Group of Seven (G7) Summit in Biarritz, France. The G7 membership consists of the industrialised economies of US, France, Germany, Japan, the UK, Italy and Canada, along with the Presidents of the European Union and European Commission, and usually Spain. The World Bank, IMF, OECD, African Union, ILO, African Development Bank and NEPAD are also usually invited, the UN Secretary-General was also there. The G7 used to be the G8, but Russia is still suspended. On March 24 2014, the G7 members cancelled the planned G8 summit that was to be held in June that year in the Russian city of Sochi, and suspended Russia’s membership of the group, due to Russia’s annexation of Crimea. However, Russia has not been permanently expelled. French President Emmanuel Macron used his invitations strategically to promote a “league of democracies” concept. He invited leaders from Australia, India, Chile and South Africa to join the outreach activities at the summit, in particular, to attend a Sunday night dinner to discuss environmental challenges. Australia is a member of the G20, which includes India, Indonesia and China. But it has often cast a wistful eye to Canada’s participation in the G7/8, despite the relative similarity in economic strength between the two nations. This year, the Henry Jackson Society released its second Audit of Geopolitical Capability report, which assesses the geopolitical capability of the Group of 20 nations plus Nigeria. It ranked Australia as the eighth-most capable in the world, ahead of India and Russia. But since the election of Donald Trump as US president, the G7 has lost much of its consensus and related power. The 2019 summit was like an Agatha Christie play, full of shocks, tensions, surprise reveals and difficulties. Tensions and Diplomatic Shocks The US president walked out early from last year’s G7 summit in Canada over criticism of his tariffs policy, and then refused to sign the final statement. Macron, therefore, organised the summit to have a two-hour lunch alone with the president and abandoned the idea of a final communique. Saturday working sessions were held on jobs, global inequality, climate change and women’s empowerment, leading to criticisms from the US delegation that the agenda was too “niche”. Sunday was devoted to the extremely difficult trade discussions and the Amazon forest fires. The European G7 nations, as well as other EU members such as Ireland and Spain, sparred over whether to block the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement unless Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro takes forceful action on the forest fires raging in the Amazon and on climate change in general. Trump pulled out of the Paris Climate Agreement in 2017, shortly after he attended his first G7 in Italy. Climate was still a sticking point at this summit, with leadership from the G7 unlikely on climate as an economic risk. The Saturday dinner was thrown into an uproar by Trump championing the re-entry of Russia to the G7, with the EU arguing back that Crimea would be better. Sunday saw the surprise arrival of Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to meet with Macron. Zarif, sanctioned by the US, said salvaging the 2015 nuclear deal would be difficult but “worth trying”. Trump withdrew the US from the Iran nuclear accord in 2018, leaving European signatories scrambling to preserve the pact. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she welcomed efforts toward deescalation. Europeans have so far declined to join Australia, the US, Bahrain and the UK by engaging in the Strait of Hormuz. The situation in Hong Kong was barely raised. Salty Summit Just before the summit, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson – attending his first G7 summit – and European Council President Donald Tusk traded barbs over the UK’s exit from the European Union. Tusk said he would not negotiate a no-deal scenario, and said he hoped the prime minister did not want to go down in history as “Mr No Deal”. Johnson took a swim in the sea and created a lengthy metaphor for journalists about Brexit as a result. Most world leaders attending the summit declared they would ask the US to resolve the trade war with China. However, Trump announced additional duties on Chinese imports one day before he arrived in France. He then threatened to levy import duties on French wine “Like they’ve never seen before”. The US president also said the British would lose “the anchor around their ankle” after leaving the EU. Outside the summit, more than 9,000 anti-G7 protesters marched peacefully over a bridge linking France and Spain, about 30 kilometres from Biarritz. Yellow Jacket protesters held pictures of Macron upside-down. Australian Leadership on Digital Hate In the midst of such turmoil, it would be difficult to make an impact as an invited guest. However, Morrison kept up his advocacy on the Christchurch Call. At the close of the G7, Morrison announced an undisclosed amount of funding from the OECD and $300,000 to fund the development of voluntary transparency reporting protocols for social media companies to prevent, detect, and remove terrorist and violent extremist content. A Summit of ‘Senseless Disputes’ This was the EU President Tusk’s final G7 Summit and he reflected sadly on Saturday that leaders of the world’s richest and most powerful democracies are increasingly unable to find “common language”, and were instead at risk of getting caught up in “senseless disputes among each other”. The summit seems to have borne out his worse fears. Hopefully, Scott Morrison was inspired by the fractured state of the big stage to become part of the solution. (Susan Harris Rimmer is Australian Research Council Future Fellow, Griffith Law School, Griffith University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

G7 Summit throws up plenty of debate, but little compromise

Major fashion companies from around the world said on Friday they had signed a pact which they would present at this week's G7 summit to help protect the environment.

The pact has been signed by 32 companies including the likes of Adidas, Burberry, Kering, Hermes, Nike, Prada and Puma.

The Karl Lagerfeld brand associated with LVMH's Fendi label is also involved, although the LVMH parent company itself is not part of the pact.

Protecting the environment will be a leading issue at the G7, with French President Emmanuel Macron and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres having expressed concern this week over wildfires raging through the Amazon.

The companies, whose representatives were meeting French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday, said they would aim to use methods that would protect forests and cut down on the use of plastic.

Major fashion companies from around the world said on Friday they had signed a pact which they would present at this week's G7 summit to help protect the environment.

Major fashion companies from around the world said on Friday they had signed a pact which they would present at this week's G7 summit to help protect the environment. The pact has been signed by 32 companies including the likes of Adidas, Burberry, Kering, Hermes, Nike, Prada and Puma. The Karl Lagerfeld brand associated with LVMH's Fendi label is also involved, although the LVMH parent company itself is not part of the pact. Protecting the environment will be a leading issue at the G7, with French President Emmanuel Macron and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres having expressed concern this week over wildfires raging through the Amazon. The companies, whose representatives were meeting French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday, said they would aim to use methods that would protect forests and cut down on the use of plastic.

Major fashion companies to make G7 pledge to help environment

PM Modi met US President Trump today at the sidelines of the G-7 summit after their dinner meeting on Sunday night.

"We spoke about common values," PM Modi said with President Trump by his side while adding that they were in touch on trade issues.

"We spoke last night about Kashmir, Prime Minister really feels he has it under control, the US President said, adding, "they speak with Pakistan and I'm sure that they will be able to do something that will be very good."&nbsp;

"All issues between India and&nbsp;Pakistan are bilateral in nature, that is why we don't bother any other country regarding them," PM Modi told President Trump during the meeting.

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Happening Now | PM Modi meets US President Trump on the sidelines of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G7Summit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G7Summit</a>. Trade talks high on agenda.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ModiAtG7?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ModiAtG7</a> 
 
Catch live visuals from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Biarritz?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Biarritz</a>, France: <a href="https://t.co/iSR65rv97J">https://t.co/iSR65rv97J</a> <a href="https://t.co/baqDGJk92j">pic.twitter.com/baqDGJk92j</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1165936713316720640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"We are talking about trade, we're talking about military and many different things. We had some great discussions, we were together last night for dinner and I learned a lot about India," Trump said.

After briefing reporters, PM Modi and President Trump began their bilateral meeting. This is PM Modi's first bilateral meeting of the day.

Last week both Trump and PM Modi had spoken to each other during which the Indian prime minister had raised the rhetoric from Islamabad over the Indian Parliament's decision to abrogate article 370 of the constitution which gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: US President Donald Trump during bilateral meet with PM Modi at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G7Summit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G7Summit</a> says,"We spoke last night about Kashmir, Prime Minister really feels he has it under control. They speak with Pakistan and I'm sure that they will be able to do something that will be very good." <a href="https://t.co/FhydcW4uK1">pic.twitter.com/FhydcW4uK1</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1165939861607669760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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It is after a gap of more than ten&nbsp;years that India has been invited at the G7 summit, the last time being 2005 when the then British Prime Minister Tony Blair had invited the then Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the Gleneagles Summit.&nbsp;

India is not a member country of the G-7, and the invitation to participate in the summit was extended by France.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

PM Modi met US President Trump today at the sidelines of the G-7 summit after their dinner meeting on Sunday night. "We spoke about common values," PM Modi said with President Trump by his side while adding that they were in touch on trade issues.

PM Modi met US President Trump today at the sidelines of the G-7 summit after their dinner meeting on Sunday night. "We spoke about common values," PM Modi said with President Trump by his side while adding that they were in touch on trade issues. "We spoke last night about Kashmir, Prime Minister really feels he has it under control, the US President said, adding, "they speak with Pakistan and I'm sure that they will be able to do something that will be very good." "All issues between India and Pakistan are bilateral in nature, that is why we don't bother any other country regarding them," PM Modi told President Trump during the meeting. Happening Now | PM Modi meets US President Trump on the sidelines of #G7Summit. Trade talks high on agenda.#ModiAtG7 Catch live visuals from #Biarritz, France: https://t.co/iSR65rv97J pic.twitter.com/baqDGJk92j — WION (@WIONews) August 26, 2019 × "We are talking about trade, we're talking about military and many different things. We had some great discussions, we were together last night for dinner and I learned a lot about India," Trump said. After briefing reporters, PM Modi and President Trump began their bilateral meeting. This is PM Modi's first bilateral meeting of the day. Last week both Trump and PM Modi had spoken to each other during which the Indian prime minister had raised the rhetoric from Islamabad over the Indian Parliament's decision to abrogate article 370 of the constitution which gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. #WATCH: US President Donald Trump during bilateral meet with PM Modi at #G7Summit says,"We spoke last night about Kashmir, Prime Minister really feels he has it under control. They speak with Pakistan and I'm sure that they will be able to do something that will be very good." pic.twitter.com/FhydcW4uK1 — ANI (@ANI) August 26, 2019 × It is after a gap of more than ten years that India has been invited at the G7 summit, the last time being 2005 when the then British Prime Minister Tony Blair had invited the then Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the Gleneagles Summit. India is not a member country of the G-7, and the invitation to participate in the summit was extended by France.

All issues between India, Pak bilateral in nature, says PM Modi while meeting Trump at G7 meeting

Under pressure from allies, US President Donald Trump backed a pledge to fight protectionism on Saturday, but refused to endorse a global climate change accord, saying he needed more time to decide.

The summit of Group of Seven wealthy nations pitted Trump against the leaders of Germany, France, Britain, Italy, Canada and Japan on several issues, with European diplomats frustrated at having to revisit questions they hoped were long settled.

Trump, who has previously called global warming a hoax, tweeted that he would make a decision next week on whether to back the 2015 Paris Agreement on curbing carbon emissions following lengthy discussions with G7 partners.

&quot;The entire discussion about climate was very difficult, if not to say very dissatisfying,&quot; German Chancellor Angela Merkel told reporters. &quot;There are no indications whether the United States will stay in the Paris Agreement or not.&quot;

However, there was relief that Trump agreed to language in the final G7 communique that pledged to fight protectionism and commits to a rules-based international trade system.

During his election campaign last year, Trump threatened unilateral tariffs on Mexican and Chinese goods and said he would quit the North American Free Trade agreement unless it is renegotiated to his liking. Earlier this week he called Germany &quot;very bad&quot; on trade because of its surplus with the United States.

&quot;In the end we convinced them to include the fight against protectionism in the final communique, so that was a step forward,&quot; said one European diplomat, who declined to be named.

Meeting in a luxury hotel overlooking the Mediterranean sea, hosts Italy had hoped that the summit would focus on Europe&#39;s migration crisis and the problems of neighbouring Africa.

The internal G7 divisions and a suicide bombing in Britain on Monday, that killed 22, overshadowed the Italian agenda, but on Saturday five African leaders joined the world power leaders to discuss their continent&#39;s potential.

Niger President Mahamadou Issoufou urged the G7 to take urgent measures to end the crisis in Libya -- the point of departure for hundreds of thousands of migrants looking for a better life in Europe. He also criticised them for not honouring aid promises to fight poverty in West Africa&#39;s poorest regions.

&quot;Be it Niger, a transit nation, or the countries of origin, it is only through development that we will prevent illegal migration,&quot; Issoufou said.

The final communique was just six pages long, against 32 pages last year, with diplomats saying the leaders wanted a simpler document to help them reach a wider audience.

After lengthy deliberation, the document included a separate threat, that was inserted into the 2016 G7 statement, to take additional action against Russia, if warranted, for its intervention in Ukraine.

The European Union and the United States imposed sanctions on Russia after Moscow annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and pledged to up the penalties if Russian interference in Ukraine intensified. Trump&#39;s promise of warmer ties with Moscow had called into question the US&nbsp;commitment to sanctions.

Diplomats said that on other key international issues, such as Syria and North Korea, there was broad G7 agreement.

However, Italy was disappointed not to receive more backing for its call to open up more legal channels for immigration to try to slow the flow of people risking their lives to reach Europe on flimsy boats from lawless Libya.

&quot;There was very strong opposition by the Americans and British who wanted to refocus on security and water down the expansive language on freedom of movement,&quot; said a European diplomat, who declined to be named.

Security questions dominated initial G7 discussion on Friday and the leaders called on internet service providers and social media firms to &quot;substantially increase&quot; their efforts to rein in extremist content.

The US president is due to return to Washington later on Saturday at the end of a nine-day tour of the Middle East and Europe -- his first foreign trip since taking office.

US officials said he had enjoyed &quot;robust&quot; conversations with his allies in Sicily and had also learnt a lot -- especially in the debate on climate change, which he has previously dismissed as a hoax.

&quot;He came here to learn. He came here to get smart. His views are evolving which exactly as they should be,&quot; Trump&#39;s economic adviser Gary Cohn said on Friday.

(Reuters)

Trump refused to endorse a global climate change accord, saying he needed more time to decide

Under pressure from allies, US President Donald Trump backed a pledge to fight protectionism on Saturday, but refused to endorse a global climate change accord, saying he needed more time to decide. The summit of Group of Seven wealthy nations pitted Trump against the leaders of Germany, France, Britain, Italy, Canada and Japan on several issues, with European diplomats frustrated at having to revisit questions they hoped were long settled. Trump, who has previously called global warming a hoax, tweeted that he would make a decision next week on whether to back the 2015 Paris Agreement on curbing carbon emissions following lengthy discussions with G7 partners. "The entire discussion about climate was very difficult, if not to say very dissatisfying," German Chancellor Angela Merkel told reporters. "There are no indications whether the United States will stay in the Paris Agreement or not." However, there was relief that Trump agreed to language in the final G7 communique that pledged to fight protectionism and commits to a rules-based international trade system. During his election campaign last year, Trump threatened unilateral tariffs on Mexican and Chinese goods and said he would quit the North American Free Trade agreement unless it is renegotiated to his liking. Earlier this week he called Germany "very bad" on trade because of its surplus with the United States. "In the end we convinced them to include the fight against protectionism in the final communique, so that was a step forward," said one European diplomat, who declined to be named. Meeting in a luxury hotel overlooking the Mediterranean sea, hosts Italy had hoped that the summit would focus on Europe's migration crisis and the problems of neighbouring Africa. The internal G7 divisions and a suicide bombing in Britain on Monday, that killed 22, overshadowed the Italian agenda, but on Saturday five African leaders joined the world power leaders to discuss their continent's potential. Niger President Mahamadou Issoufou urged the G7 to take urgent measures to end the crisis in Libya -- the point of departure for hundreds of thousands of migrants looking for a better life in Europe. He also criticised them for not honouring aid promises to fight poverty in West Africa's poorest regions. "Be it Niger, a transit nation, or the countries of origin, it is only through development that we will prevent illegal migration," Issoufou said. The final communique was just six pages long, against 32 pages last year, with diplomats saying the leaders wanted a simpler document to help them reach a wider audience. After lengthy deliberation, the document included a separate threat, that was inserted into the 2016 G7 statement, to take additional action against Russia, if warranted, for its intervention in Ukraine. The European Union and the United States imposed sanctions on Russia after Moscow annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and pledged to up the penalties if Russian interference in Ukraine intensified. Trump's promise of warmer ties with Moscow had called into question the US commitment to sanctions. Diplomats said that on other key international issues, such as Syria and North Korea, there was broad G7 agreement. However, Italy was disappointed not to receive more backing for its call to open up more legal channels for immigration to try to slow the flow of people risking their lives to reach Europe on flimsy boats from lawless Libya. "There was very strong opposition by the Americans and British who wanted to refocus on security and water down the expansive language on freedom of movement," said a European diplomat, who declined to be named. Security questions dominated initial G7 discussion on Friday and the leaders called on internet service providers and social media firms to "substantially increase" their efforts to rein in extremist content. The US president is due to return to Washington later on Saturday at the end of a nine-day tour of the Middle East and Europe -- his first foreign trip since taking office. US officials said he had enjoyed "robust" conversations with his allies in Sicily and had also learnt a lot -- especially in the debate on climate change, which he has previously dismissed as a hoax. "He came here to learn. He came here to get smart. His views are evolving which exactly as they should be," Trump's economic adviser Gary Cohn said on Friday. (Reuters)

G7 leaders end summit split on climate change, more united on trade