Japan Pledges 60% Emissions Cut by 2035, But Climate Advocates Say It Falls Short of Paris Goals
Japan has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2035 compared to 2013 levels, as part of its updated climate pledge to the United Nations. This announcement, made by Japan’s environment ministry on Tuesday, aligns with the country’s long-term goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
The pledge also includes a target to cut emissions by 73% by 2040, and the country’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) will be officially submitted to the UN later on Tuesday. The Japanese government’s announcement is part of a broader effort to meet its climate obligations under the Paris Agreement, which encourages countries to set emissions reduction targets in line with the global goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
However, climate campaigners have criticized Japan’s new target as insufficient. Masayoshi Iyoda from the environmental group 350.org pointed out that scientists have determined that Japan would need to cut emissions by 81% by 2035 to remain on track with the 1.5°C goal. Greenpeace Japan’s Kazue Suzuki also called the new target “far too low,” urging for a 78% reduction given Japan’s status as an industrialized nation.
While Japan’s plan includes increasing renewable energy sources like solar and wind to 40-50% of electricity generation by 2040, the country remains heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels. In 2023, nearly 70% of Japan’s power was generated from coal, gas, and oil, and the government aims to reduce this to 30-40% over the next 15 years.
The plan also reflects Japan’s changing energy strategy, with a greater role for nuclear power to meet growing energy demand, especially for industries like AI and microchip factories. This marks a shift from earlier plans to reduce reliance on nuclear energy, particularly after the Fukushima disaster.
Despite concerns, Japan’s updated targets align with the global push for renewable energy and cleaner power sources, but many believe the country’s ambitions must be significantly raised to meet the Paris Agreement’s goals.
