FoE Japan hosts symposium to examine Japan’s role in the Climate Crisis

International environmental NGO Friends of the Earth (FoE) Japan, in collaboration with Hosei University, will host an international symposium titled “People Fighting the Climate Crisis in Asia: Japan’s Role in Achieving a ‘Just Transition.'” Scheduled for July 20, the event will bring together climate activists from across Asia to share firsthand accounts of their experiences and strategies in combating climate change. The symposium aims to highlight the crucial role Japan can play in ensuring a fair transition to a decarbonized society, addressing the needs of workers, communities, and marginalized groups affected by the shift away from fossil fuels.

This is a crucial time to have this event. The World Meteorological Organization’s report that 2023 was the hottest year on record, with Japan experiencing frequent extreme weather events like heatwaves and heavy rains. Last December, at the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), a historic agreement was reached to phase out fossil fuels. The focus now turns to how this transition can be managed equitably, ensuring that vulnerable populations are not left behind.

The symposium will feature a three-part program. The first part will address the current climate crisis and its impacts on Asian countries, highlighting the severe consequences of even slight temperature increases. The second part will scrutinize misguided climate actions that perpetuate fossil fuel use under the guise of decarbonization policies. The final part will explore the concept of a “Just Transition,” presenting ongoing efforts in Asia and discussing Japan’s potential contributions to a fair and sustainable future.

The symposium will be held at Hosei University’s Ichigaya Campus (Google Map here), with options for both in-person and online participation via Zoom. Admission is free, offering a valuable opportunity for attendees to engage with leading voices in the fight against climate change and to explore actionable solutions for achieving a just and sustainable transition. You can register for the event here.