Germany called on its G7 counterparts on Monday (11 May) to show emerging countries that clean energy is not related to negative economic growth.
Speaking at a meeting of G7 energy ministers in Hamburg, Germanys Vice Chancellor and Minister of Economy and Energy, Sigmar Gabriel, said: Only when we will be able to show that environmental engagement and industrial success and economic success [is possible]..., we will find followers and then maybe developing countries and emerging countries will be able to accept a global agreement in Paris.
Gabriel was referring to the Conference of Parties (COP) on climate change in early December and praised wind turbines as an innovative and environmentally friendly technology.
According to the German energy minister, on-shore and off-shore wind turbines already cover 10% of German electricity consumption and they have also become an important factor in terms of jobs and the economy.
Gabriels US counterpart, Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz, said in brief remarks that we need to address our near-term collective energy security challenges while we also pave the way for a long-term clean and secure energy system.
I consider this part of our energy security a challenge but also part of the road to Paris for COP 21, Moniz said.
Germany, which currently holds the presidency of the G7, will conclude the two-day energy ministers meeting with a news conference on Tuesday (12 May).
A G7 summit of heads of governments is scheduled in southern Germany for early June.
