350.org responds to Japan’s ‘unacceptably low’ climate targets
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
18 FEBRUARY 2025
350.org responds to Japan’s ‘unacceptably low’ climate targets
Tokyo, Japan – The Japanese government today released its climate action plan and Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) which sets an emissions cut target of 60% below 2013 levels by 2035. Falling far short of the 81% emissions reduction target recommended by scientists to align with the Paris Agreement goal to limit global temperatures to 1.5 degrees, 350.org expresses deep concern about Japan’s lack of responsibility and climate ambition.
Since December last year, when the unacceptably low climate targets were first proposed, 350.org Japan actively pushed the government to increase its climate targets to more ambitious levels that reflect the urgency of the climate crisis, Japan’s historical responsibility for global warming, and the significant role it plays in Asia’s just energy transition.
Masayoshi Iyoda, 350.org Japan Campaigner says:
“Right after the Kyoto Protocol’s 20th anniversary, Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba squandered a rare opportunity to demonstrate Japan’s climate leadership in our burning world. Instead of heeding the people’s calls for a science-aligned 81% emissions reduction target, PM Ishiba bowed to pressure from fossil fuel interests. This is a huge setback for Japan’s transition to a fair and just renewable energy future. The new climate and energy policies place false solutions, such as fossil gas, nuclear, ammonia-coal co-firing power, and carbon capture and storage (CCS) at the center of Japan’s climate action without a clear pathway to fossil fuel phaseout. This jeopardizes Japan’s genuine green growth through renewable energy and energy efficiency. But the fight isn’t over. People are increasingly aware of how the climate crisis threatens their health, livelihoods, and future generations. They will continue demanding the government to revise its climate policy to protect our children’s future.”
Norly Mercado, 350.org Asia Regional Director says:
“Japan’s half-hearted emissions reduction commitments is an abdication of climate leadership that can derail the just energy transition in Asia. It fails to set a good example and sends a dangerous signal that Japan is bent on pursuing fossil fuel investments. Japan’s lack of climate ambition is apparent in how it continues to bankroll fossil fuel projects across Asia. This not only undermines global climate goals but also condemns frontline communities to more decades of pollution, displacement, and climate devastation.”
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