Japan will slash its carbon emissions to net zero by 2050, the prime minster announced on Monday – a major shift in climate ambition for the world\u2019s third largest economy.<\/b><\/p>\n
Yoshihide Suga indicated his government would rethink its reliance on coal, instead backing solar power and “carbon recycling” – capturing carbon dioxide emissions for various industrial applications.<\/p>\n
\u201cI declare we will aim to realise a decarbonised society,\u201d Suga said in his first policy address to parliament since taking office.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cResponding to climate change is no longer a constraint on economic growth. We need to change our thinking to the view that taking assertive measures against climate change will lead to changes in industrial structure and the economy that will bring about great growth.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Japan has faced mounting international pressure to strengthen its climate commitments. The previous administration would only aim for an 80% emissions reduction by 2050, compared to 2010 levels, and carbon neutrality \u201cat the earliest possible time in the latter half of this century.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n I warmly welcome \ud83c\uddef\ud83c\uddf5 to the goal that all developed nations should set for themselves to stop climate change.<\/p>\n \ud83c\uddef\ud83c\uddf5 is a good friend and ally and we look forward to working with them towards net zero emissions in 2050. The world is coming together for the climate.<\/p>\n — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) October 26, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n