Petition for climate action gains momentum amid critical policy talks

Youth-led environmental groups across Japan have intensified their calls for the government to adopt stronger greenhouse gas reduction targets as the country approaches a critical climate policy review. The government’s current proposal, a 60% reduction from 2013 levels by 2035, has been criticised as insufficient to meet the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C global warming limit.

The Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry are scheduled to convene a key policy review meeting today, 19 December. Activists argue that the proposed target falls far short of the 81% reduction recommended by international climate scientists. In response, youth organisations, including Fridays For Future Tokyo and environmental NGO 350.org Japan, have organised a high-profile protest.

Petition reveals a groundswell of climate action

A petition launched on 9 December has sparked a powerful wave of public support, collecting nearly 9,000 signatures within a week. Spearheaded by environmental activist and Keio University student Daiki Yamamoto, the petition demands an open and transparent decision-making process driven by science and free from industry influence.

“Our future is on the line,” declared passionate youth leaders. “The government must rise above outdated industry-driven targets and embrace policies that align with climate science and the public’s will.” Supporting organisations include the Japan Youth Conference and local Fridays For Future branches from Fukuoka, Nagoya, Sapporo, Tokyo, and Yokohama.

Japan government need to reflect on systemic issues

Youth activists have been calling for the inclusion of future generations in the government’s climate policy-making process. While young people are occasionally invited to hearings, they rarely have meaningful roles in actual discussions.

Currently, Japan is in the final stages of crafting a new climate target to be submitted to the United Nations by February next year. Decisions made now will shape the country’s environmental future for the next decade. Activists warn that the government’s current process lacks transparency and risks yielding insufficient targets, pointing out problems that need an honest self-criticism to improve.

On November 25, council member Shota Ikeda, representing renewable energy companies, submitted an opinion letter that was disregarded during a joint meeting of the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry and the Ministry of the Environment. He criticised the lack of genuine discussion, calling the process “restricted and pre-determined.”

The selection process for council members also appears skewed, with an overrepresentation of fossil fuel industry representatives and men over 50, according to the Climate Integrate Report. This imbalance raises concerns about the bias and the diversity of perspectives involved in shaping climate policies.

Furthermore, despite international climate scientists urging Japan to adopt an 81% reduction target, the government’s proposal remains at 60%, which, when recalculated using updated baselines, amounts to only a 49% reduction. This significant lack highlights the urgent need for science-based targets that align with global climate commitments.

Demands for actual change

Youth activists have presented three urgent demands:

1. Ensure transparency: Council discussions must be free from pre-determined conclusions, with open access to meeting schedules and agendas.
2. Listen to future generations: Include diverse voices, particularly those of young people, underrepresented communities, and those most vulnerable to climate impacts.
3. Raise the climate target: The proposed 60% reduction by 2035 falls well below international benchmarks. A scientifically-backed target of at least 81% is essential.

Climate protest actions underway

Today, young climate activists are gathering outside the Ministry of the Environment in Tokyo (from 3pm, AP Shinbashi Toranomon). Protesters will deliver speeches and symbolically cover their mouths with tape to protest being silenced in policy discussions.

The petition is scheduled to be formally submitted to State Minister of the Environment Fumiaki Kobayashi on Dec. 20. Representatives from supporting organisations will meet with the Vice Minister to present the signatures and discuss the urgent need for more ambitious targets.

Japan, as one of the world’s leading economies, faces growing pressure to align its climate goals with international standards. Failure to increase its reduction targets could undermine both theglobal efforts to combat climate change and the country’s potential as a leader in global environmental affairs.

“The government has a moral and environmental responsibility,” the activists emphasised. “We will not stand by as inadequate policies jeopardise our future.”

The coming days will determine whether Japan’s leadership will heed these calls or remain anchored in outdated climate policies.