WWF Japan finds shortfall in local governments on decarbonization efforts

The World Wide Fund for Nature Japan (WWF Japan) has conducted a comprehensive survey targeting all 47 prefectures in Japan in December last year, aiming to assess the current state of decarbonization efforts within these local governments.

The findings reveal a concerning trend: approximately 30% of the surveyed local governments have set greenhouse gas reduction targets that fall short of the national objectives. Moreover, initiatives crucial for achieving these targets, such as energy conservation and the adoption of renewable energy sources, have not been adequately implemented. The survey also highlights several obstacles hindering local governments’ progress towards decarbonization, including the struggle to secure independent financial resources, a shortage of human resources, and a lack of understanding among local businesses.

Despite the national goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 46% by 2030 and aspiring for a 50% reduction, only seven local governments have set more ambitious targets. These include Aomori, Iwate, Akita, Tokyo, Toyama, Nagano, and Tottori Prefectures. Conversely, 13 local governments have established targets that are below the national level, representing about 30% of the total. For the long-term goal of achieving zero emissions by 2050, except for Ibaraki Prefecture, all other local governments have committed to this objective, aligning with the national target.

The survey suggests that national goals might be inadvertently capping the ambitions of local decarbonization efforts. As for renewable energy, the survey indicates its adoption in facilities owned by local governments, excluding Aomori Prefecture. However, only 40% of the local governments have set concrete targets for energy consumption reduction, pointing to potential delays in energy conservation initiatives.

In light of these findings, WWF Japan calls for an urgent national dialogue to enhance Japan’s 2030 emission reduction target and establish a new target for 2035. This discussion should openly address the challenges and circumstances faced by local governments, which play a crucial role in achieving reduction targets.

There is need for the national government to draw on scientific knowledge and international discussions to set ambitious emission reduction levels for Japan as a whole. The survey also emphasizes the importance of bolstering support for local governments’ decarbonization efforts, addressing their financial and human resource challenges.

Local governments are encouraged to consider national emission reduction levels while setting their own ambitious targets and policies related to energy conservation and renewable energy. The survey highlights the necessity of a “backcasting” approach, where local governments determine the necessary actions to achieve ambitious targets without overly focusing on regional constraints.

WWF Japan advocates for local governments to communicate their constraints and required support measures clearly to the national government, society, and investors when they cannot overcome these challenges independently. This will facilitate a societal discussion on appropriate support methods, ultimately contributing to the global effort to mitigate climate change.