Japan has set itself the goal of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2035 compared to 2013 levels, the Japanese government revealed this week.
“This objective is part of the trajectory set out to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050,” underlined the Japanese ministries of the Environment and Industry in their joint action plan to combat global warming. climatic.
It is also about “maintaining the delicate balance between economic growth, energy security and our commitment to decarbonization,” added the same source.
The previous objective set by the Japanese government as part of its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) was to reduce its emissions by 46% by 2030.
Despite the objections of certain experts and environmentalists, the new plan was approved without modifications and will be submitted by the ministries concerned to the United Nations next February after public consultation.
Climate activists estimate that to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, as recommended by the IPCC, Japan needs to reduce its CO2 emissions by 66% by 2035 compared to levels from 2013.
Considered the fifth largest carbon emitter in the world, Japan remains dependent on fossil fuels to meet its energy needs.
