On March 19, 2021, Kiko Network published the report “Japan’s Path to Net Zero by 2050,” which recommends greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets for 2030 and 2040, as well as 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
In order for the Japanese government to work together with the international community to achieve the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C target, it must strengthen its climate policies throughout these processes, and significantly raise its 2030 target to a level consistent with that target.
Download Report
Japan’s Path to Net Zero by 2050: 2030 and 2040 GHG Reduction Targets and Policy Recommendations (PDF)
Appendix: Japan's 2030 greenhouse gas reduction target (comparison of different base year) (PDF)
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)
Contact
Kiko Network
Tokyo Office:
6F, Ichibancho-Murakami Bldg., 9-7, Ichibancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0082, JAPAN
TEL:+81-3-3263-9210, FAX:+81-3-3263-9463, E-mail: tokyo@kikonet.org
Kyoto Office:
#305 Takakura Bldg. Takakura-dori, Shijo-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8124, JAPAN
TEL:+81-75-254-1011, FAX:+81-75-254-1012, E-mail: kyoto@kikonet.org
