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he global energy transition is not a matter of choice, it is an unstoppable reality. As the world’s most advanced economies, the G7 countries have a key role to play in driving the global transition to a low-carbon future.Six months after the entry into force of the historic Paris Agreement, countries across the world are getting on with putting their commitments into practice. Over 140 countries – and counting – have ratified the agreement in record time, and the Marrakesh climate conference last year showed that the spirit of Paris continues to ignite action around the globe. What is more, governments committed to fulfilling their Paris pledges through ambitious climate policies are joined by a growing movement of businesses, investors, cities and ordinary citizens who see the potential of the sustainability transformation and are already busy building the new economy. The direction of travel is clear, and the facts speak for themselves. Record levels of new renewable energy capacity are added every year, and costs are going down at an impressive rate. Last year, investment in renewables capacity was roughly double that in fossil fuel generation. Moreover, we are starting to see a decoupling of economic growth and greenhouse gas emissions at global level. For the third year in a row, global economic growth in 2016 was not accompanied by an increase in greenhouse gas emissions.The transition has been set in motion – but like on any journey, there will be bumps on the road. Keeping the wheels turning is a task for all of us, and the G7 countries have a key role to play. Under the auspices of this year’s Italian presidency, which has made economic, social and environmental sustainability one of its top priorities, the G7 must now build on the positive momentum, cooperation and alliances forged in the past years.The European Union has long been at the forefront of international climate action and is committed to stay in the lead. It aims to be at the vanguard of the clean energy revolution thanks to ambitious policies that will boost energy efficiency and renewables, modernise energy markets, keep Europe competitive and provide clean energy for all Europeans. The EU has already started to put its commitment to reduce domestic emissions by at least 40 per cent by 2030 into action. The legislative proposals put forward to the European Parliament and Council range from a reform of the EU emissions trading system – the world’s largest carbon market and the cornerstone of EU climate policy – to setting emissions reduction targets for all sectors of the European economy, as well as measures aimed at kick-starting the clean energy transition. We are doing this not only because it is the right thing to do for the climate, but also for growth and jobs in Europe. The EU’s track record shows that climate action and economic growth can go hand in hand. From 1990 to 2015, the EU’s combined GDP grew by 50 per cent, while our emissions decreased by 22 per cent. The number of green jobs in the EU has increased steadily even through the recession years.Going forward, an innovation-driven transition to a low-carbon economy is our best bet to keep on cutting emissions while creating new opportunities for growth and jobs. This goal is reflected in the EU budget, 20 per cent of which will go to climate-related action MIGUEL ARIAS CAÑETE, EUROPEAN COMMISSIONER FOR CLIMATE ACTION AND ENERGYFORGING AHEAD ON THE GLOBAL LOW-CARBON TRANSITION T036 G7 MEMBER STATES