Japan
Japan’s Updated NDC Plans Fall Short of Expectations
Japan’s delay in updating its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) raises concerns about its climate ambitions. The proposed targets — 60% emissions reduction by 2035 and 73% by 2040 — fall short of the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C goal. Japan's policy-making structural issues, including industry influence over energy policy and the primacy of energy policy over climate targets, hinder progress. Reforming Japan’s policy-making framework is essential.
Japan’s Offshore Wind Potential
Japan needs to boost offshore wind power generation to meet decarbonisation goals, as current targets of 10 GW by 2030 and 45 GW by 2040 are deemed insufficient. With significant offshore wind potential, experts call for more ambitious goals and better policies to enhance investment and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Japan-influenced Strategies Trap Asian Nations in Fossil Fuels
Japan's significant investments in fossil fuels are shaping energy policies in South and Southeast Asian nations, leading to increased reliance on non-renewable resources in the region.
Asia and Japan’s Energy Transition Not on Path to Net Zero
Asia must urgently decarbonise, but reliance on fossil fuel-based technologies like LNG and CCS, led by Japan, is stalling progress. Prioritising wind, solar and science-based policies is crucial in driving the region’s energy transition and tackling the climate crisis.
Fossil Fuel Projects Cost More Than Expanding Renewables, Analysts Say
Solar, wind and geothermal energy offer cheaper, faster-to-deploy and socially responsible solutions for the future of energy. Yet in Asia, these clear advantages are overshadowed by the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC), where Japan advocates for a future that keeps fossil fuels in play under the guise of green innovation.
Over One-third of AZEC Agreements Support Fossil Fuels, Risking High Emissions and Future Costs for Southeast Asia
Launched by Japan in March 2023, AZEC is a diplomatic initiative with eleven Southeast Asian countries and Australia to advance cooperation in Asia towards carbon neutrality and a platform for joint investment to develop zero-emission technologies across the region. However, according to Zero Carbon Analytics’ analysis, over one-third of those MoUs will promote fossil fuels or technologies that will prolong fossil fuels.
Greenwashing on the Agenda at Japan Energy Summit 2024
The Japan Energy Summit, held recently, included sessions on pioneering innovative energy technologies and accelerating decarbonisation in its agenda. Unfortunately, these sessions pushed fossil fuel narratives instead.
Japanese Megabank MUFG Continues to Bankroll Fossil Fuel Development
Global financial institutions are still funding fossil fuel projects despite warnings over climate change. Japanese megabanks, for their part, continue to top the list. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), Mizuho and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMBC Group) ranked among the 10 worst in fossil fuel funding in 2023.
Does Japan Care About the Environment
Japan's role as a member of G7 is pushing its subpar environmental performance into the spotlight. Inadequate emissions reduction goals, a high rate of fossil fuel imports and questionable fishing practices highlight this. These concerns will only grow more dire for the climate-vulnerable country and must be addressed.
Wind Energy in Japan: Prospects, Benefits and Future
While Japan’s government increasingly considers wind energy a viable option, the progress is still sluggish. Accelerating it requires addressing various administrative burdens and introducing more ambitious policies.
The Climate Leadership of the G7 Now Hangs on Japan
Without ensuring that all members share the same views regarding the energy transition, the G7 will have difficulty leading global climate policy. Convincing Japan of the urgency of phasing fossil fuels out and accelerating clean energy adoption is integral before the G20 and COP29 meetings later this year.
Potential of Renewable Energy in Japan
Japan's road towards renewable energy dominance in the country's mix won't be smooth, it is feasible and will unlock several energy investment opportunities.
The Issue with Japan’s ESG Reporting
Japan has been struggling to catch up with the EU and the US in corporate ESG reporting standards. Progress is being made, but several problems still need to be addressed, including an over-reliance on fossil fuels in its power generation mix and a governance problem that seems hard to address.
Is Steel Bad For The Environment? A Look At Nippon Steel
The vast majority of Japanese steel is produced with coal blast furnaces. This does not align with domestic or international decarbonisation goals. As the market leader of Japan's steel industry, Nippon Steel needs to reassess its decarbonisation strategy. It currently falls short with ongoing coal investments and reliance on untested low-carbon production technology.
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