A close look at Japan’s revised climate commitments ahead of COP26

The fight against climate change requires drastic action in Japan and around the world. To that end, there have been several significant international efforts to reduce carbon emissions. One of the most well-known is the Paris Agreement, an international treaty for keeping global temperature increases within 1.5 to 2.0 degrees Celsius.

Most countries in the world, including Japan, have adopted the Paris Agreement. However, Japan has been the subject of international criticism regarding its climate change policies. Japan’s climate change targets originally included a 26% reduction in greenhouse gases from its 2013 levels by 2030. This has long been seen as far too low for the eventual goal of carbon neutrality.

Japan now aims for 46% GHG emissions reduction

In response to pressure from the United States, other nations as well as Japan’s own domestic companies, this year, Japan announced a drastic overhaul of its 2030 goals. They now aim for a 46% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, nearly double the previous targets. Prime Minister Suga has also said that Japan will do its best to reach 50%.

In November, the 26th U.N. Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) will be held in the United Kingdom. Alok Sharma, a U.K. politician and president of COP26, visited Japan this year ahead of the conference and just before the announcement of Japan’s revised goals. Encouraged by discussions with Japanese officials, he cited his own country’s drastic reduction on coal reliance as proof of progress that can be made.

? NEWS: 100 political Heads of Government have confirmed their attendance to The World Leaders' Summit at #COP26.

This is the largest political gathering that the UK has ever hosted ??#ClimateAction | #UNGA

— COP26 (@COP26) September 20, 2021

A gap to fill: Policies and contradictions

Japan is the fifth-biggest carbon emitter worldwide. One subject of criticism has been its reliance on and support for coal, and they have even exported the construction of coal plants to other countries. Anti-nuclear sentiment, in large part due to the Fukushima disaster and its aftermath, has also complicated the shift to other forms of energy. As of now, there are only nine nuclear reactors operating in the entire country. Japanese financial institutions have also been under fire for coal financing, though some have made revisions to their policies.

Japan also imports the vast majority of its energy from other countries and is very concerned with securing reliable fuel sources. Historically, this is not without reason, as the 1973 Oil Crisis quadrupled oil prices and caused a recession in Japan. Coal has been seen as somewhat stable and has helped make up for some of the loss of energy generation from nuclear plant shutdowns.

As of 2020, the same year Japan announced a goal of carbon neutrality for 2050, the country was on track to build 22 coal plants within five years. This was before the revised climate targets were announced in 2021, but such announcements are in stark contrast with stated climate goals.

Will Japan live up to the expectations?

This is not to say there are no signs of progress. Part of Japan’s revised energy plan in 2021 involves increasing their renewable energy generation to around 36-38%. This means that Japan aims for around 60% of its energy to come from non-fossil fuel sources. However, around 20% of that comes from nuclear power, and the reduction of coal is only from 26% to 19%.

Japan’s reliance on energy imports is an obstacle, but one that can hopefully be overcome. They have announced bolder steps forward, and COP26 is an opportunity to strengthen their commitments further. The country has also made recent moves in favor of greener energy sources, such as relaxing regulations for renewable energy. Facing the climate crisis requires massive energy overhauls and reductions in emissions. Yet, the process is not always straightforward, and each country and region will be dealing with their own unique issues in creating a better and safer world for everyone.