Japan’s environment and industry ministries have finalized a plan to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 60% from 2013 levels by 2035, marking an ambitious update to its prior target of a 46% reduction by 2030. The new plan also outlines a trajectory toward achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
Despite objections from several experts and environmentalists during panel discussions, the draft target was approved without changes. The ministries will submit the revised target, known as a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), to the United Nations in February after public consultation. Japan’s approach reflects the challenges of balancing competing priorities while addressing global climate expectations.
