Press Release
Japan’s 2030 GHG reduction target should be raised to at least 60%
-Publication of policy recommendation report “Japan’s Path to Net Zero by 2050”-
March 19, 2021
Mie Asaoka, Kiko Network
Today, Kiko Network published a new report “Japan’s Path to Net Zero by 2050,” which recommends greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets and policy measures to be taken in order to achieve Japan’s declared goal of net zero GHG emissions in 2050.
Given that global GHG emissions must be halved by 2030 in order to limit the average global temperature rise to 1.5°C, this report, referencing science-based analysis for Japan’s emission pathways to be consistent with the 1.5°C target, proposes that Japan’s GHG emission reductions target must be at least -60% by 2030 (or -56% relative to 1990), -80% by 2040 (or -78% relative to 1990).
The report also proposes the policies and measures for each sector, calculates the projection of emission reductions in each of these sectors, and confirms that the proposed reduction targets can be achieved by promptly implementing appropriate policies and measures while strengthening them.
In addition, the report recommends implementing the following ten points in order to achieve these targets:
(1) Legislate targets and processes to enhance them
(2) Introduce carbon pricing
(3) Set targets to end electricity generation from fossil fuels and nuclear power
(4) Adopt policies for a just transition
(5) Adopt policies to expand renewable energy
(6) Promote electric vehicles and a modal shift to walking, cycling, and public transportation
(7) Strengthen regulations on housing, buildings, and equipment
(8) Adopt policies to reduce waste and plastics
(9) Regulate F-gases
(10) Strengthen finance policies
This year, climate change will be an important issue of discussion at a number of international conferences, such as the global summit hosted by US President Joe Biden in April, the G7 summit held in the UK in June, the G20 summit in Italy in October, and COP26 hosted by the UK in November. At all of these conferences, a major theme will be raising the ambition of national GHG reduction targets for 2030. Currently, the Japanese government is reviewing its Plan for Global Warming Countermeasures and Strategic Energy Plan. In order to work together with the international community to achieve the 1.5°C target, Japan must strengthen its climate policies throughout these processes, and significantly raise its 2030 target to a level consistent with that target.
Download Press Release
Press Release: Japan’s 2030 GHG reduction target should be raised to at least 60%
Publication of policy recommendation report “Japan’s Path to Net Zero by 2050” (PDF)
Download Report
Japan’s Path to Net Zero by 2050 - Executive Summary (PDF)
Contact
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