Japan, the world’s third-biggest economy, promises a bolder approach to dealing with the climate crisis. Its prime minister, Yoshihide Suga, announced a pledge to become carbon neutral by 2050 during his first policy address to parliament since assuming office. Suga replaced the previous Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, in mid-September.
He said:
Responding to climate change is no longer a constraint on economic growth. We need to change our thinking that taking proactive measures against climate change will lead to changes in industrial structure and the economy that will bring about growth.
I declare we will aim to realize a decarbonized society.
However, Suga didn’t provide details as to how Japan would reduce carbon emissions to zero. He only said that it would push for renewable energy above all and prioritize safety as it steps up nuclear power’s role in the mix. Also, he plans to hasten research and development of vital technologies like carbon recycling and next-generation solar batteries.
He said:
I promise to fundamentally change Japan’s long-term reliance on coal-fired energy.
The words are quickly spoken, but the task may not be so easy to achieve. Japan is the world’s fifth-biggest carbon dioxide emitter. It had struggled to reduce emissions since 2011 when the Fukushima meltdown ushered the closure of dozens of nuclear reactors. Most remain closed to this day.
Japan’s current energy plan calls for 56% from fossil fuels, 22% nuclear, and 22-24% renewables. It’s heavily reliant on coal, oil, and gas. Furthermore, the pubic opposes the idea of increasing nuclear power’s share of the energy mix because of fear from the triple meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi plant.
Greenpeace Japan is among the concerned. The group welcomes the carbon neutrality commitment but says nuclear power should be kept out of the equation. Its executive director, Sam Annesley, said:
Nearly ten years on from Fukushima, we are still facing the disastrous consequences of nuclear power, and this radioactive legacy has made clear that nuclear energy has no place in a green, sustainable future.
If we are to achieve net-zero by 2050, we must massively increase Japan’s renewable energy capacity, with a target of 50% renewable electricity by 2030. Anything less than 50% and Japan risks falling short of net-zero, and more importantly, risks driving the world above 1.5 degrees as per the Paris climate agreement.
Initially, Japan had committed to achieving an 80% reduction in emissions by 2050 – then carbon neutrality “as soon as possible” within the second half of the century. But the people were not pleased, and the country came under pressure to strengthen its targets.
This new policy shift to be carbon neutral by mid-century brings Japan to par with the European Union. China is not far behind with its recent pledge to become carbon neutral by 2060.
