Japan’s roadmap to tackle the challenge of Climate Change（Part 2）
Photo from:time.com
Climate Change is a pressing issue that threatens the security of human-beings across the borders irrespective of whether those countries are developed or developing.
■Japan’s Initiatives on Climate Change
The concerted efforts by the international community to cope with the challenge need to be urgently enhanced.
Japan is actively tackling Climate Change and leading international negotiations through announcing, among others, its ambitious mid-term target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the “Hatoyama Initiative” for supporting developing countries
■Japan’s Specific Efforts
Japan’s roadmap to tackle the challenge of climate change is bold and ambitious. It is marked by three key milestones.
Firstly, Japan’s commitment under the United Nations Climate Change Convention to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 26% from 2013 levels by 2030.
The second milestone is to promote the development of innovative technologies by2050 that enable Japan to contribute to the reduction in accumulated atmospheric CO2 globally to “Beyond Zero”.
The third and most ambitious milestone unveiled by Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide on October 26, 2020, calls for Japan to achieve net zero GHG emissions by 2050. This bold pledge sets Japan on a course to become Carbon Neutral in 30 years.
Photo from: Quzrtz.com
■Japan’s approach is based on three key principles
①Promote Innovation & Technology as the agents of change in tackling the challenges of global warming.
②Promote Green Finance to support the development of innovation and new technologies.
③Support greater International Cooperation for business-led adoption of innovative green technologies.
Since Climate Change is accelerating more rapidly than previously thought, we must swiftly take more robust action.
At the same time, investment in sustainable energy sources, clean energy technologies, and infrastructure brings opportunities for innovation, sustainable and inclusive growth, competitiveness, and job creation. As an advanced international economy, Japan has to take the lead in this endeavor.