Japan Climate Initiative (JCI) released a comment in response to an announcement by the government.<\/p>\n
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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 \u201ccontinue to take on the challenge to increase to 50% (emission reduction).\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u2019 level.<\/p>\n
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<\/sup> April, also asked to raise the target to \u201can ambitious level that better represents Japan\u2019s responsibility as a leading economy and is more aligned with the European Union\u2019s target of 55% and 50% for the United States\u201d. As Prime Minister Suga said, we expect the government to increase the target to 50% without delay.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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 \u02daC target.<\/p>\n
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