Japan's proposed emissions reduction targets fall well short at the G7

In response to today’s announcement of Japan’s Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) at the G7, Maiko Morishita, Oxfam Japan’s Policy Advisor, made the following statement:

“Oxfam is deeply disappointed by Japan’s lack of ambition.  Setting a draft target of 26% emissions reduction below 2013 levels (18% below 1990 levels) by 2030 is woefully inadequate. Japan, as one of the most developed countries in the world, has not only high responsibility for causing climate change, but also a strong capacity to reduce emissions. Japan urgently needs to step up its ambition by committing to a target in the range of 40-50% reduction based on 1990 levels.

“As Oxfam has shown in its new report, G7 coal emissions are a major contributor to climate damages in developing countries. Therefore, Japan can increase its ambition by phasing out dirty coal and investing in renewable energy.  But with plans to build 52 new coal-fired power plants, Japan is heading in the wrong direction – putting them at odds with the rest of the G7.   If these coal plants are built, Japan will be doomed to an unsustainable fossil-fuelled future.

“Japan still has time to put forward a more ambitious target, before the final version is submitted to UNFCCC. An increased target would be an important signal of willingness to the rest of the world, and would help create the right kind of momentum for the crucial climate summit in Paris at the end of this year.”