A pledge to rid the global economy of fossil fuels by the end of this century has been undertaken by G7 countries at this week’s summit in Germany.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said it was important that the G7 participants affirm their commitment to keep global warming down to a rise of no more than 2 degrees centigrade as compared to the pre-industrial era.

She described the G7 meeting as very focused and productive. “The G7 is a community of responsibility. We made a firm commitment to the two degree target."

The leaders reached unanimous agreement on binding greenhouse gas reduction targets which are to be agreed at the Climate Change Conference in Paris in December. The G7 also aims to achieve decarbonisation by the end of this century – the end of fossil fuels.