Japan plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60% compared to 2013 levels by 2035

The Japanese environment and industry ministers finalised on Tuesday a plan that will cut greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 60% compared to 2013 levels by the year 2035. This is an increase from their 2030 goal of 46%.

Officials said that states could achieve this goal even if Donald Trump, the president-elect, reverses federal policy.

In November, Japanese Ministries unveiled a draft Plan aiming to reduce GHG by 60% by fiscal 2035, and 73% by Fiscal 2040. The plan is based on an linear trajectory from Japan's current goal of a reduction of 46% by 2030, and reaching net zero by the year 2050.

Environmentalists and politicians have called for even deeper cuts, arguing that the proposed target is not enough for the fifth largest carbon emitter in terms of emissions, a country which still heavily relies on fossil fuels.

Climate activists claim that the target is not close to the recommended reduction by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to limit global heating to 1.5 degrees Celsius over pre-industrial levels. According to the IPCC, global emissions need to drop 60% by 2035 compared with 2019 levels. This is equivalent of a 66% reduction from Japan's 2013 levels.

A joint meeting of experts from both ministries, despite strong criticisms, approved the draft target for climate change, which emphasizes the importance to balance economic growth, energy safety and decarbonisation.

The goal was left unchanged despite several panelists arguing that it was too low and not enough to meet the global expectations.

In February, Japan will submit its revised target to the United Nations as part of an international effort to combat global climate change. This is known as the Nationally Determined Contribution.

The NDC was designed to be aligned with Japan's revised energy plan, and its "Green Transformation 2040 Vision", a national strategy that integrates decarbonisation and industry policy. Both are currently being considered.

In accordance with the Paris Agreement, nations are required to submit new and stronger plans of climate action to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change before February. The NDCs should align with the global target of keeping temperature increases to 1.5C. Reporting by Yuka Obaashi Editing Mark Potter

(source: Reuters)