Japan Climate Initiative (JCI) released a comment in response to an announcement by the government.

 


Prime Minister Suga today announced a new GHG emission reduction target of 46% by fiscal year (FY) 2030 compared to FY 2013 levels by 2030 and said it will “continue to take on the challenge to increase to 50% (emission reduction).”

The decision shows a political leadership toward the realization of a decarbonized society, following the 2050 carbon neutral declaration in October last year. It has overcome the conventional stacking method of accumulating the emission reductions at the ministries and agencies’ level.

However, 46% is just 1% above the minimum level of 45% that 291 members of the Japan Climate Initiative (JCI) asked for. The JCI message, which was submitted to our government on 19th April, also asked to raise the target to “an ambitious level that better represents Japan’s responsibility as a leading economy and is more aligned with the European Union’s target of 55% and 50% for the United States”. As Prime Minister Suga said, we expect the government to increase the target to 50% without delay.

At the same time, what is needed for Japan now is to urgently concretize its emission reduction measures such as expanding renewable energy and phasing-out coal generation in order to successfully meet the new target of 46% reduction. With those efforts, Japan must make it possible to pursue a higher reduction target.

Many companies, local governments, and organizations participating in the JCI have their own goals of drastically reducing emissions by 2030, and are already acting. We urge the government to strengthen cooperation with non-state actors and immediately take the necessary actions to truly contribute to the global efforts to avoid a serious climate crisis and to realize the 1.5 ˚C target.


■Calling for an Ambitious 2030 Target for Japan to Realize the Paris Agreement Goal
– JCI Representative letter to Prime Minister Suga
– JCI Message to the Government of Japan
– List of endorsing signatories
https://japanclimate.org/english/news-topics/call-for-ambitious-2030-target/