G7 Summit in Cornwall to be carbon neutral
The UK government has confirmed that the G7 Summit in Cornwall will go ‘green’ this year, complying with the internationally recognised quality standard for sustainable events management.
The announcement follows prime minister Boris Johnson’s commitment, made in a speech earlier this month, that the summit will be carbon-neutral.
Sustainability measures being used for the summit include emphasis on local and seasonal produce in the catering, with priority given to sourcing produce and goods within 100 miles of Carbis Bay. This also includes recycled stationery, hand-carved table and natural soap.
As well as commissioning Cornish companies to provide local and sustainable products, the summit will also use sustainable energy sources and cleaner fuels like HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) instead of diesel for any onsite generators.
Event organisers are also working to ensure the summit is free from single-use plastic wherever possible.
In addition to this, the government is aiming to ensure that event suppliers are delivering wider social value, such as mentoring programmes for those left unemployed by COVID-19, careers workshops and online tutorials in digital and virtual skills.
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“Tackling climate change and preserving the planet’s biodiversity are key priorities for the UK’s presidency of the G7, with the prime minister seeking commitments from G7 members to support the transition to net zero, kick-start a green industrial revolution, and build climate change resilient economies around the world,” the Cabinet Office said.
It has also confirmed four global offsetting projects, including an improved cookstoves project in Uganda, a composting facility in Vietnam and biogas reuse in Thailand.
“In the fight against climate change, it is vital that we lead by example – which is why the G7 Summit is going to be a carbon neutral event,” said Alok Sharma, COP26 president-designate.
“Our global projects such as hydropower in Laos will help to off-set emissions generated by the gathering of world leaders and every coffee cup, pen and notepad used at the Summit will be recyclable or made entirely from recycled materials.
“Our carbon neutral, sustainable G7 Summit is an opportunity to show the world the UK is serious about uniting global leaders to deliver genuine climate action.”
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It comes ahead of the UK hosting COP26 in Glasgow later this year, when world leaders will gather to agree and commit to sweeping international action to tackle climate change and secure the future of the planet for generations to come.
The conference, which is being held between 1 and 12 November, will be the largest summit the UK has ever hosted. It will have dozens of world leaders in attendance and bring together representatives from nearly 200 countries, including experts and campaigners.
It was originally scheduled for November 2020 but was delayed by a year due to the coronavirus pandemic. It has been described as the most significant climate event since the global Paris Agreement was secured in 2015.
In January, Alok Sharma resigned from his role as UK business minister in order to lead the United Nations COP26 climate change summit.
Sharma told Boris Johnson that he would rather give up his position as business secretary than leave his role in the climate change envoy.
Watch: Raab: G7 nations agree to promote human rights and democracy
