Japan to cut 60% of GHG emissions by FY2035, experts criticise target

A joint meeting of the ministries also agreed to a longer-term 73-per cent emissions cut target by fiscal 2040.

Some experts at the meeting criticised the target as not being enough to meet global climate goals. They feel Japan must contribute a 66-per cent reduction by fiscal 2035 to meet the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

The target, known as a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), will be submitted to the United Nations in February next year, following a public consultation, according to media reports from the country.

The government outlined sector-specific emissions reduction goals for fiscal 2040 compared to the levels in fiscal 2013, including cuts of 74-83 per cent in the business sector, 64-82 per cent in transportation, and 71 to 81 percent in households.

The move follows the US administration’s new US target under the Paris Agreement to slash GHG emissions by 61-66 per cent below 2005 levels by 2035.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (DS)