France has made significant progress on the first day of the G7 focusing on the environment in Paris, deliberately avoiding direct discussions on climate change to avoid upsetting the United States, who have shown a cooperative attitude.
“We have seven texts for approval and all seven will be approved,” French Minister of Ecological Transition, Monique Barbut, said after the first day of G7 environmental negotiations, set to end on Friday.
The United States has been described as “very constructive” and “extremely cooperative” by the minister during a walk with her counterparts in Fontainebleau forest near Paris.
The environment is no longer the top international priority, as acknowledged by the minister in her opening speech in the presence of ministers from industrialized countries and representatives of other partners hosting upcoming COP conferences on desertification and biodiversity.
The G7 and its partners hold a particular responsibility to act and send a clear signal of unity and determination, according to the minister at the two-day summit.
France has outlined five priorities for discussion, all related to climate change, emphasizing the importance of biodiversity protection, ocean preservation, water resource security, links between desertification and security, and strengthening resilience to natural risks.
Sensitive issues such as the transition from fossil fuels and climate protection were avoided during the G7, a stance that has been criticized by environmental advocates.
Donald Trump’s return to the White House in early 2025 has led to a rollback of climate protection efforts, as seen in the withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and the erosion of environmental standards in the world’s leading economy.
Despite efforts to engage the Trump administration with nature and people-focused financing, some remain skeptical about the efficacy of financial commitments without meaningful policy changes.
France aims to secure funding for conservation projects, with plans to allocate around 600 million euros for 22 countries and 144 protected areas in Africa, thanks to contributions from philanthropic foundations.
The discussions on biodiversity financing have been welcomed, but it is emphasized that such funding should be in addition to government commitments rather than a substitute.
