Japan’s Ministry of the Environment and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry last week announced a draft proposal to set a emissions cut target of 60% below 2013 levels by 2035 as part of the country’s climate action plan or Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), which is currently being discussed in the governmental committee.
The announcement came as scientists record the country’s hottest autumn. Only months after recording the country’s hottest summer, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) confirmed that this year's autumn was also the hottest recorded since 1898.
Masayoshi Iyoda, 350.org Japan Campaigner says, “Scientists have confirmed that we are experiencing unusually hot weather this year. Our public officials should take that as a signal to treat the climate crisis as an emergency. However, the proposal by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of the Environment to target a mere 60% reduction of GHG emissions compared to 2013 levels by 2035 does not reflect the ambition and urgency necessary to prevent climate impacts from becoming worse. Experts recommend that Japan should target an emissions cut of 81% below 2013 levels by 2035 to make our climate target aligned with the Paris 1.5 degree target. It is alarming that the government is settling on a low target that is instead eerily aligned with the proposal of Keidanren, Japan’s largest industry group. This is unacceptable.
With the new leadership of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Environmental Minister Keiichiro Asao, we had hoped for greater political will to end the era of fossil fuels. However, what we are seeing is the same old industry lobby winning over crucial political arenas, such as the discussion of our NDC. We are also concerned with reports that expert opinions of some governmental committee members are not being heard in the discussion of a new climate target. We urge a more democratic process in a decision that affects not just the Japanese people, but the entire world.”
Fridays For Future Tokyo, supported by 350.org Japan, held an action in front of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry on December 3rd to contest the proposed climate targets, saying that this is insufficient to keep global temperatures from rising (see photo below).
Norly Mercado, 350.org Asia Regional Director says, “As a major historical polluter and one of the world’s biggest investors in fossil fuels, especially in Asia, we are looking at Japan to lead a just and equitable energy transition. If it adopts a lackluster emissions reduction target, Japan will be setting a dangerous precedent among developed nations who have the capacity to act boldly for climate but still refuse to do so. It is not too late for the Japanese Government to turn the tide. It must set an emissions target that is acceptable to the Japanese people and the rest of the region where Japan is unfortunately still fueling fossil fuel addiction.”
A report shows that Japanese public financial institutions provided US$ 93 billion for oil and gas projects over the past decade, four times larger than the amount allocated to clean energy projects during the same period.
