[Event] Online Webinar: Impacts of the Australia-Japan coal trade: Japanese and Australian perspectives (June 4, 2021)

Japanese climate NGO Kiko Network, together with Australian civil society groups The Australia Institute and Australian Conservation Foundation, host an online webinar to introduce “Out of sight, out of mind: impacts of Japanese use of Australian coal,” a new report that shines a light on the costs of Japan’s reliance on Australian coal.

Japan is the fifth largest greenhouse gas emitter in the world, and a major source of its emissions are from burning coal as an energy source. More than 60% of the coal that Japan burns is imported from Australia, and Japan is Australia’s biggest consumer of coal. This coal trade not only significantly contributes to climate change, but also substantially impacts the health and well-being of many Australian communities, as well as its natural environment and wildlife, such as koalas, kangaroos and the Great Barrier Reef.

Presentations include a summary of the report, as well as Australian and Japanese perspectives on the impacts of Japan’s use of Australian coal, including the damage caused to the climate, human health, ecosystems and wildlife habitats. In light of coal phase-out emerging as a major topic of discussion at this year’s G7 summit, speakers will also discuss activities being undertaken by Japan to promote a just transition to a decarbonized society, and its potential to contain Australia’s coal industry.