The Tokyo Transformation
Japan’s net-zero goals
“I declare we will aim to realise a decarbonised society.” Just one month after China’s surprise long-term decarbonisation announcement, these were the words of Japan’s Prime Minister, Yoshihide Suga. The Asian powerhouse, and fifth-largest GHG emitter in 2018, previously committed to a 26% reduction in emissions by 2030 and 80% by 2050. Unsurprisingly, it received heavy international criticism for being woefully insufficient and failing to lead by example. Prior to this recent commitment, Japan’s Nationally Determined Contribution — efforts, at the heart of the Paris Agreement, by countries to reduce their national emissions — had been deemed highly insufficient, likely in line with warming between 3C — 4C.
Cutting the Coal Habit
Since Yoshihide Suga was elected, after Shinzo Abe resigned, Japan’s focus and momentum have shifted. A much bolder, aggressive stance to tackle the impacts of climate change has emerged. “Responding to climate change is no longer a constraint on economic growth,” Suga said. “ We need to change our thinking to the view that taking assertive measures against climate change will lead to changes in industrial structure and the economy that will bring about great growth.” This is a key point that addresses a view many economies used to (and some still do) hold — that increased emissions…
