PRESS RELEASE | 2 October 2024
350.org Asia responds to Shigeru Ishiba’s election as new Japan Prime Minister
The Liberal Democratic Party President (LDP) Shigeru Ishiba, who had expressed support for renewable energy, was named yesterday as Japan’s new Prime Minister through a parliamentary vote.
“We urge Prime Minister Ishiba to decisively push for the phaseout of fossil fuels and the expansion of renewable energy in a way that benefits the people, the planet and the general economy of Japan. We are already experiencing extremely hot summers, big typhoons, and hard rains. We need the country’s leadership to take us towards solutions that treat the climate crisis as a crisis.
–Hinako Arao, 350.org Japan Team Lead
Hinako Arao, Japan Team Lead of 350.org says:
“We urge Prime Minister Ishiba to decisively push for the phaseout of fossil fuels and the expansion of renewable energy in a way that benefits the people, the planet and the general economy of Japan. We are already experiencing extremely hot summers, big typhoons, and hard rains. We need the country’s leadership to take us towards solutions that treat the climate crisis as a crisis. The first step is to align Japan’s Basic Energy Plan with the goal to limit global temperatures to 1.5C. Japan remains one of the world’s leading investors in fossil fuel projects. These investments contribute significantly to the climate crisis, environmental destruction, and human rights abuses, not just in the country but elsewhere in the world. PM Ishiba must end this notoriety by committing to a clear and ambitious climate goal to phase out fossil fuels, and triple renewable energy by 2030. We will remain vigilant and push our political leaders to address the climate crisis through the radical expansion of renewable energy with the participation of all stakeholders, not just a limited few.”
“We call on the new Prime Minister to steer Japan’s climate and energy policies towards a more positive direction, setting an example for Asia and the rest of the world.”
–Masayoshi Iyoda, 350.org Japan Campaigner
Masayoshi Iyoda, Japan Campaigner of 350.org says:
“PM Ishiba’s past statements in favor of renewable energy were slightly progressive compared to the majority of candidates in the presidential election race of the LDP. With the UN climate talks fast approaching and the general election coming up, now is the best time to translate his talk into decisive action. We call on the new Prime Minister to steer Japan’s climate and energy policies towards a more positive direction, setting an example for Asia and the rest of the world. He must ensure that Japan’s Basic Energy Plan and national climate goals (or Nationally Determined Contribution) are aligned with G7’s agreement to phase out coal power by 2035. The COP29 climate talks in Baku is also an opportunity for the new PM to express his political commitment to renewables and climate finance that supports a just transition. In this transition, civil society must be actively involved in decision-making so that the rights and livelihoods of affected communities are protected.”
Ahead of COP29, 350.org Japan is spearheading Yen for Climate, a citizen-led petition urging the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister of Japan to redirect funds from fossil fuels toward renewable energy initiatives and climate reparations.
“Prime Minister Ishiba has a chance to prove his mettle by committing to an ambitious, concrete, and time-bound renewable energy goal while phasing out fossil fuels, both domestically and abroad.”
–Norly Mercado, 350.org Asia Regional Director
Norly Mercado, 350.org Asia Regional Director says:
“The rest of Asia awaits Japan’s political will to phase out dirty energy and usher in the era of cleaner, fairer, and more accessible renewable energy. With its massive economic influence in the region and as one the largest shareholders of the Asian Development Bank, Japan has lots of opportunity to show leadership by funding community-based renewable energy projects in developing countries. Communities have suffered enough from Japan’s fossil fuel investments. Prime Minister Ishiba has a chance to prove his mettle by committing to an ambitious, concrete, and time-bound renewable energy goal while phasing out fossil fuels, both domestically and abroad.”
Note to Editors:
350.org Japan’s Yen For Climate petition is aimed at shaping Japan’s contribution to the global climate finance goal, which will be negotiated at the upcoming COP29 climate talks in November. It advocates for the Japanese government to invest in community-driven solar and wind projects, as well as to provide loss and damage support to communities affected by climate impacts–for which Japan bears historical responsibility. It also demands an end to Japanese investment in harmful energy projects that do not resolve the climate crisis, such as fossil gas, ammonia co-firing, carbon capture usage and storage, and nuclear power.
Media contact:
Ilang-Ilang Quijano
350.org Asia Communications Manager
[email protected]