Leaders of the Group of Eight industrialized countries (G-8) gathered for their annual meeting in L’Aquila, Italy, from 8-10 July 2009.

The G-8 countries include Canada, the Russian Federation, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States, together with the European Union represented by the European Council’s duty President and by the President of the European Commission. The leaders of additional countries joined them for various sessions, including leaders from the Group of 5 countries (Brazil, People’s Republic of China, India, Mexico and South Africa).

A number of documents were issued at the conclusion of various discussions, including a Declaration of the Leaders of the Major Economies Forum (MEF) on Energy and Climate. In the Declaration, the MEF leaders note that they “recognize the scientific view that the increase in global average temperature above pre-industrial levels ought not to exceed 2 degrees C,” and indicate that they “will work between now and Copenhagen, with each other and under the Convention, to identify a global goal for substantially reducing global emissions by 2050.” They also state that they are establishing a Global Partnership to drive transformational low-carbon, climate-friendly technologies.

They note that individual countries will “spearhead efforts among interested countries to advance actions on technologies such as energy efficiency; solar energy; smart grids; carbon capture, use, and storage; advanced vehicles; high-efficiency and lower-emissions coal technologies; bio-energy; and other clean technologies,” and that lead countries will report by 15 November 2009, on action plans and roadmaps, and make recommendations for further progress. They agree “to further consider proposals for the establishment of international funding arrangements, including the proposal by Mexico for a Green Fund,” and indicate that they will continue to meet in the lead up to the Copenhagen climate change conference.

In a forty-page statement on “Responsible Leadership for a Responsible Future,” the G-8 leaders identify their approach to a number of issues, including the economic and financial crisis, energy security and global energy markets, intellectual property rights, climate change, clean energy and technology, and development and Africa.

In a document on “Promoting the Global Agenda,” the Leaders of Italy, Brazil, Canada, the People’s Republic of China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and the President of the European Commission, together with the Leaders of Egypt and Sweden, as President of the European Council, commit to work together on global challenges and to improve international governance. They highlight their commitment “to working together to ensure a green global recovery based on firm and lasting foundations for sustainable, balanced, innovative and inclusive growth in the medium term,” and identify a number of actions related to this objective.

They also, together with the leaders of Australia, Indonesia and Republic of Korea and in the presence of the Director General of the World Trade Organization, stress their commitment “to seek an ambitious and balanced conclusion to the Doha Development Round in 2010, consistent with its mandate, building on the progress already made, including with regard to modalities.”
Link to further information
G8 Summit documents