Phasing out coal power plants a sticking point as G7 vows to hasten shift to renewables

G7 ministers on climate, energy and environment in Sapporo, northern Japan. G7 actions are critical, but so is their support for less wealthy nations often suffering the worst effects of climate change. Photograph: Hiro Komae/AP Energy and environment ministers of the Group of Seven wealthy nations have vowed to work to hasten the shift towards cleaner, renewable energy. But they set no timetable for phasing out coal-fired power plants as they wrapped up two days of talks in the northern Japanese city of Sapporo. The G7 officials issued a communique laying out their commitments. The 36-page document was prepared in…