350.org Japan demands stronger climate action after Japan election

International environmental NGO 350.org Japan has issued a statement demanding reinforced climate crisis measures from all political parties following the House of Councillors election on 20 July. The election was held amidst a record-breaking heatwave, and resulted in a political shift, mixed with fear and control.

The organisation highlighted the undeniable scientific consensus on human-induced climate change, as concluded by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). It pointed to severe climate-related disasters, wildfires, and heatwaves already impacting Japan, affecting public health and key industries like agriculture and fishing. A recent survey in Japan indicated that over 80 percent of people believe they are already experiencing the negative effects of climate change. The same survey showed 71.2 percent of respondents consider energy, environment, and climate change as important factors when supporting a candidate in an election.

During the election campaign, 350.org Japan noted some positive developments, including citizen movements supporting candidates with strong climate policies and some media outlets treating climate change as a key issue. However, the organisation asserts that these discussions and actions were insufficient given the severity of the crisis and Japan’s capacity and responsibility to act.

Japan’s Diet declared a “climate emergency” in 2020. Five years on, 350.org Japan is now urging all elected leaders to treat the situation with the urgency it requires by formulating and implementing effective policies without delay.

Hinako Arao, Japan Team Leader for 350.org Japan, commented on the election’s social climate. “The House of Councillors election, held amid news of record-high temperatures, was a cruel one, with discriminatory and extreme messages of xenophobia and misogyny being spread,” she said. “First, I want to express my sympathy for all minorities hurt by this election and my solidarity with all citizens who raise their voices. To solve the climate crisis, this election result is more cause for concern than relief. However, it is hopeful that we saw citizens asking parties and candidates about their climate change pledges and taking to the streets to support candidates proactive on climate policy.”

Masayoshi Iyoda, a campaigner for the NGO, criticised the government’s current energy strategy. “This House of Councillors election, held in the midst of a disastrous heatwave, delivered a result that forces a rethink of the status quo in politics,” he stated. “The current administration’s greenhouse gas emission reduction targets and energy policy are insufficient to meet the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C goal, and they lack a roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels and policy measures to expand sustainable renewable energy.”

The organisation strongly calls on all political parties to promptly consider a policy for a just transition to 100 percent sustainable and democratic renewable energy, based on the latest scientific advice.

350.org Japan has also launched an online petition called “Cover the Climate in Elections!” in response to the inadequate coverage of climate‑change issues by mainstream media and journalists during the recent House of Councillors election. Seeing the insufficient quantity and the depth of coverage of the climate problem, they aim to collect and visualise public voices calling for thorough climate coverage and to relay them to media outlets and journalists as each election approaches.