FOR musicians, the G7 chord naturally progresses to a C: it’s a tension looking for a resolution, and a good metaphor for what’s happening in Cornwall this week.

For the politicians of the seven richest and most powerful countries on earth, the G7 summit is their annual gathering to discuss the most pressing issues facing the world.

This year Covid 19, climate change, biodiversity, and free and fair trade top their discussions.

In the end it’s the results that matter, and for the UK there are many tensions looking for a resolution, like reduction in foreign aid and the possibility of giving permission to open new coal mines.

How these are resolved is important in preparing for the Glasgow climate summit in November (COP26).

There have been a number of smaller G7 meetings this week. Their communiqués use words like: we recognize, thank, commend, commit, affirm, appreciate, support.

Seven gentle words that need testing against the realities of continually rising emissions of greenhouse gases.

This summit is relevant for us in Somerset, because, when it comes to the climate, the richest countries will have to make unpopular changes in limiting these emissions – for the sake of the next generation.

Two questions we, as citizens, should ask our governments, and as consumers should ask our suppliers, are: how much will you do to change, and how soon will you do it?

All along the British coast this week – from Scotland to Cornwall (including Minehead beach today (June 10) at 5pm, and central Taunton on Saturday (June 12 at 11am), groups are drawing attention to the climate crisis that’s driving sea-level rise and floods (see www.makethewave.eco).

Other countries are also joining in, including the Solomon Islands, which may not be around for much longer.

There’s a warning in the old story about King Canute: it’s futile trying to turn the tide with fine words alone.

SIGURD REIMERS