Japan revised climate target: reduce emissions by 60% by 2035, moving towards net-zero emissions by 2050

Japan's Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry recently announced a new plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2035 from the 2013 baseline. This goal far exceeds the previous 46% reduction set by 2030. The plan also highlights the long-term path to net-zero emissions by 2050. "This target highlights the delicate balance between pursuing economic growth, ensuring energy security and achieving decarbonization commitments," the two departments said in a joint statement.

New goals versus international commitments

The revised targets are in line with the latest international climate commitments. For example, the goal proposed by the Biden administration in the United States is to achieve a 61%-66% reduction in emissions by 2035 from the 2005 baseline. However, critics argue that the plan is insufficient to address the challenge of climate change as Japan, the world's fifth-largest carbon emitter, remains highly dependent on fossil fuels.

Climate activists point out that to meet the goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, as recommended by the IPCC, Japan needs to achieve a 66% reduction in emissions by 2035 compared with a 2013 baseline. A spokesman for the environmental group Climate Action Network warned: "Although Japan has set aggressive goals, it is not enough to respond to the urgency of global climate change, and more actions should be taken to accelerate the energy transition."

Challenges and next steps

Although many experts and environmentalists expressed objections to the new goals during the discussion, the draft was ultimately approved without modification. According to the plan, the Japanese government will submit this revised target to the United Nations as its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) in February next year after the public consultation ends.

In addition, Japanese policymakers face criticism at home and abroad as they try to balance economic development with climate commitments. Analysts believe that although Japan’s updated climate goals have made progress, they still fall short of global expectations.

Domestic and foreign impacts and countermeasures

According to the Ministry of the Environment, the updated plan will accelerate investment in clean energy technologies, including the research and development and application of solar, wind and hydrogen energy. The government also plans to introduce more incentives to support companies in reducing their carbon footprint and promote the construction of low-carbon transportation and green infrastructure.

However, environmentalists worry that Japan may rely too much on nuclear power to meet its goals. Despite government assurances that nuclear safety regulations will be strengthened, nuclear energy as an important part of the energy transition has still caused public doubts, especially since the Fukushima nuclear disaster.

Internationally, Japan's climate policy will also affect its relations with neighboring countries and major trading partners. A climate change expert from the Asian Development Bank pointed out: "Japan's leadership role in Asia is crucial. Its policy direction will provide a reference for other countries and help promote regional cooperation to combat climate change."

future outlook

This announcement reflects Japan’s complex challenges and efforts in addressing climate change and achieving sustainable development. While the new goal faces many challenges, it provides an opportunity for Japan to assume climate leadership on the international stage. With the implementation of new policies, the next few years will be a critical period for Japan's energy transformation, and global attention will focus on its progress and effectiveness.

Taiwan's economy is highly dependent on high-tech manufacturing, and these industries are highly energy-intensive and carbon-emission intensive. How to reduce emissions while maintaining competitiveness is a major challenge. Although Taiwan has pledged to achieve its net-zero goal by 2050, relevant policy details are still unclear, and society's acceptance of energy transition and lifestyle changes needs to be further improved. Japan’s experience in policy transparency and implementation, as well as the public’s attitude towards the government’s implementation of policies, may serve as a reference example for Taiwan to strengthen the implementation of climate actions in the future.