France's Pragmatic Approach at G7 Avoids Climate Change Clash

France concluded the G7 environment ministers' meeting by defending its decision to exclude climate change from the agenda, describing it as a pragmatic move to prevent a rift with the United States.

U.S. President Donald Trump has labeled climate change a hoax, withdrawing from related international agreements. French Environment Minister Monique Barbut said avoiding the topic prevented negotiations from derailing.

The G7 talks instead focused on biodiversity and water resources, with a positive atmosphere and shared goals, as France sought consensus on ecological protection and funding enhancements.

(With inputs from agencies.)