Thursday, 29 October 2020
Japan’s prime minister, Yoshihide Suga, has pledged that Japan, the world’s fifth-biggest emitter of carbon dioxide , will become a carbon neutral nation by 2050.
Mr. Suga, who replaced Shinzo Abe in mid-September, recently addressed his first policy to parliament, emphasising on decarbonising Japan to reach 2050 net zero emissions target.
" We need to change our thinking to the view that taking assertive measures against climate change will lead to changes in industrial structure and the economy that will bring about growth" and " I declare we will aim to realise a decarbonised society", said Suga.
According to the prime minister, Japan will promote energy production from renewable sources, accelerate research and development on key technologies such as next-generation solar batteries and carbon recycling as well as focus on safety from nuclear power plants. In addition, Suga has ensured a fundamental change for Japan from reliance on coal-fired energy. However, the prime minister did not provide concrete details on his policy.
Japan’s current energy policy, introduced in 2018, comprises 22-24% renewable energy, 20-22% nuclear power and 56% of energy production from fossil fuels. However, since the 2011 Fukushima incident the country has struggled to reduce emissions.
Greenpeace Japan has welcomed the carbon neutrality policy but has disagreed on utilising nuclear for power production.
Source