Chairman Mimura's Comments Regarding the Revision of the Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Target for FY2030

 

Chairman Mimura’s Comments Regarding the Revision of the Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Target for FY2030

22 April 2021

 

Regarding the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in Japan by FY2030, Prime Minister Suga has recently set the very ambitious goal of a 46% reduction compared to FY2013. I take this as a sign of Japan’s strong determination to work on achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, at home and abroad.

 

It will not be easy to achieve this new goal—which greatly exceeds the previous 26% reduction—in the short period of only nine years based on existing technology. First of all, it is indispensable to make the maximum use of existing de-carbonized power sources. In particular, with regard to nuclear power generation, there is an urgent need to clarify its position in Japan’s energy policy, and proceed with early restart, new expansion, and replacement after taking thorough safety measures.

 

In addition, we must accelerate the implementation of technologies that will contribute to reducing emissions in a wide range of fields on both the energy supply side and demand side. I expect that the government will take all available measures to provide incentives to strongly encourage private sector efforts, and to provide large-scale and active financial support that will both prove suitable for achieving these ambitious goals and compare favorably with the initiatives of other countries. At the same time, it is necessary to clearly show the increase in costs associated with the promotion of climate change countermeasures, seek the understanding of the people, and urgently consider how to fairly handle the burden. The Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry intends to strengthen its support so that SMEs can incorporate global warming countermeasures into their management more than ever.

 

Also, global efforts and cooperation with countries that have high levels of emissions, including China and the United States, are necessary to make climate change countermeasures effective. I expect that the government’s efforts will be aimed at making this global cooperation a reality.