Suitability of the G7 in Addressing Challenges- myassignmenthelp

Question: Discuss about theSuitability of the G7 in Addressing Energy Challenges. Answer: The Group of Seven or G7 as it is commonly known, is an informal alliance of seven highly industrialised democracies, that is the United States, the United Kingdome, Italy, Canada, Japan, Germany and France, which gathers annually to discuss and coordinate issues of international security, energy matters and global economic issues.[1] It was previously referred to as the G8, however, in 2014, Russias annexation of Crimea led to its suspension. The alliance was birthed as a result of various economic challenges that arose in the 1970s which had the world apprehensive of the future.[2] The role and agenda of the G7 have evolved over the years, however certain issues such as international trade and economic relations, energy and global securities have been recurrent concerns since its inception.[3] The discourse herein aims to examine the role this summit has played in tackling energy issues thus far and assess whether it is indeed a suitable forum for the global community to address en ergy challenges. So far, with regard to energy, G7 summits have proved successful in creating a forum for the worlds most influential representatives to discuss and approach energy differently. Further, their resolutions have been an inspiration to other nations and institutions which have relied on them in adopting progressive energy policies; they have led to a more conscious global mindset to energy matters. The G7 has established itself as a central point and forum to discuss energy challenges on a global stage thus establishing its role in the global governance framework.[4] The G7 has been successful in previous years due to the political cohesion of sitting leaders and a commitment to cooperation and compliance on matters of energy, environment and climate change issues.[5] However, the challenge facing the effectiveness of the G7s role is premised on the fact that the resolutions of the summits are not binding on both the seating parties and other nations. Recently the summit has been subject to criticism and doubt over its future; this is based on the rise in significance of the more inclusive G20 summit. Countries that play a larger role in global economic growth in recent times, and would thus be more influential, are not part of the G7 alliance.[6] Further, the forum has been criticised for its lack of enforceability; issues are discussed and resolutions passed but compliance is not effected. Previous discussions and agreements of G7 members and other countries led to the Paris Agreement that sought to control carbon emissions and promote renewable energy alternatives.[7] However, the agreement is not legally binding and as such, its application to date has been met with various challenges. In conclusion, the G7 as an informal bloc lacks enforceability powers and as such its discussions and commitments serve as mere pledges. Additionally, as it stands, major actors in the global community are not included in the summit further limi ting its effectiveness. However, the forum presents a viable opportunity for influential global leaders to meet and discuss energy challenges which thus far has proved successful. Bibliography Breene K, 4 things you need to know about this weeks G7 (World Economic Forum, 26 May 2016) https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/05/what-exactly-is-the-annual-g7-summit-japan/ accessed 8 October 2017 Dries Lesage and Others, The G8s Role in Global Energy Governance Since the 2005 Gleneagles Summit (2009) 15 Global Governance 271 Hajnal I P and Kirton J J, The Evolving Role and Agenda of the G7/G8: A North American Perspective (2000) Spring Issue, NIRA Review https://www.g8.utoronto.ca/scholar/hajnal_nira.pdf accessed 7 October 2017 Kirton J J and Kokotsis E, The Global Governance of Climate Change: G7, G20 and UN Leadership ( First Published 2015, Routledge 2016) 60 Laub Z and McBride J, The Group of Seven (G7) (Council on Foreign Relations, 30 May 2017) https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/group-seven-g7 accessed 7 October 2017 Miller J, How Effective are U.S. and G7 Energy Security and Carbon Emissions Policies? (The Energy Collective, 21 June 2017) https://www.theenergycollective.com/jemiller_ep/2407060/effective-u-s-g7-energy-security-carbon-emissions-policies accessed 8 October 2015 The Press and Information Office of the Federal Government, The History of the G7 (G7 Germany, 5 November 2014) https://www.g7germany.de/Content/EN/StatischeSeiten/G7_elmau_en/texte_en/2014-11-05-geschichte-g8.html accessed 7 October 2017