NHK has learned that Group of Seven ministers are expected to agree to promote efforts to halve carbon dioxide emissions from vehicles by 2035 compared to levels in 2000.

Emission volumes are expected to be calculated based on the number of units owned by drivers in each of the countries.

Reducing carbon emissions in the automobile industry is among major focuses at the ongoing meeting of the G7 climate, energy and environment ministers. The two-day gathering in Japan's northern city of Sapporo will close on Sunday.

The ministers are expected to agree that their countries will annually check progress in their own reduction efforts so that they can achieve the 50-percent mitigation goal.

Unit numbers to be used to measure emissions are expected to include both electric vehicles and internal combustion engine vehicles.

The ministers are also expected to agree that their nations will take the initiative in boosting the global amount of rare earths and other critical minerals recycled from used electronic devices and other items.

They are also likely to concur on a new goal of preventing the deterioration of plastic pollution by 2040.

The ministers are planning to incorporate these agreements in their joint statement, which will likely be reflected in discussions at the G7 summit in Hiroshima next month.