Fossil of the Day again: Criticism at COP30 for Japan’s fossil fuel push

Japan was awarded the satirical “Fossil of the Day” prize on 13 November at the 30th UN Climate Change conference (COP30) for its continued support of fossil fuels and for obstructing progress in climate negotiations.

The award was presented by the Climate Action Network (CAN), a global network of over 1,800 non-governmental organisations in 130 countries. The daily prize is given to countries judged to be hindering progress in tackling the climate crisis, serving as both a criticism and a call for improvement.

CAN cited three primary reasons for granting the award to Japan. The first was the nation’s promotion of technologies such as Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), hydrogen, and ammonia co-firing. In its statement, the network described these as a “smokescreen” and “technological fixes that prolong the life of fossil fuels, not bring about their end.”

The second reason focused on Japan’s financing of a major gas project in Australia, from Scarborough to the Burrup Hub. CAN stated this investment threatens the land, water and culture of Indigenous communities, noting a lack of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC). The project’s emissions are also eroding ancient rock art. The statement highlighted that since 2008, Japan and South Korea have invested $20.5 billion in Australia’s gas industry, with Japanese export credit agencies backing 64% of this sum.

Finally, Japan was criticised for its position on a “just transition” within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). CAN stated that Japan resists efforts to incorporate justice, equity and community-centred plans into the transition framework. The network claimed Japan opposes an institutional structure that would reflect the voices of local communities.

This is the fifth Fossil of the Day award that Japan has received since the beginning of this decade, with Japan Beyond Coal stating that this would be Japan’s 22nd consecutive award.