On December 11, 2025, Japan Climate Initiative (JCI) issued a new report in partnership with We Mean Business Coalition.
See the release by We Mean Business Coalition: “Japan’s second NDC: An opportunity to boost economic growth, improve energy security, and strengthen industrial competitiveness” (December 11, 2025)
In February 2025, the Government of Japan submitted its second NDC to the United Nations. However, the greenhouse gas reduction targets set out in the second NDC fall short of the global average reductions required to achieve the 1.5°C goal. Moreover, the Seventh Strategic Energy Plan (released in 2025) lacks clear domestic targets for renewable energy deployment and the phase‑out of coal-fired power that are aligned with international agreements. This shortfall poses risks that Japan may miss out on the economic benefits of the transition to clean energy and lose market share in the global marketplace, where low‑carbon products and services are increasingly valued.
Therefore, Japan needs stronger policies and a clearer roadmap. In fact, Japanese companies are urging the government to develop clear and credible plans and policies for implementing the NDC.
This report outlines specific priority actions to ensure that Japan’s NDC not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also creates opportunities for new economic growth, strengthens industrial competitiveness, enhances energy security, accelerates innovation, and maximizes private investment. An ambitious NDC that attracts private-sector investment will enhance Japan’s international competitiveness and contribute to building a cleaner and more prosperous future for both businesses and citizens.
We invite you to review this report in detail and make use of its insights in the development of your policies and initiatives.
Read the original full report (PDF)
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We Mean Business Coalition is a U.S.-based nonprofit coalition that works globally with companies to accelerate climate action. It brings together several major sustainability organizations to help businesses reduce emissions and transition to a net‑zero economy. They are a major force in global corporate climate action, uniting influential sustainability organizations, guiding companies toward credible climate commitments, and pushing for policies that support a rapid transition away from fossil fuels.
JCI is a member of the Network Partners of We Mean Business Coalition.
