Apr 22, 2021 - Energy & Climate

Japan vows deeper emissions cuts ahead of White House summit

Ben Geman

A photo of Japanese President Suga at a podium. — Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga. Photo: Carl Court/Getty Images

Japan on Thursday said it will seek to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 46% below 2013 levels by 2030, per the AP and other outlets.

Why it matters: The country is the world's fifth-largest largest carbon dioxide emitter and a major consumer of coal, oil and natural gas.

The new target under the Paris climate deal replaces a prior goal of a 26% reduction by 2030 and would require significant changes in its energy mix.
The announcement comes just ahead of the virtual White House climate summit that opens later Thursday where Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is slated to speak .

What they're saying: “Responding to climate change will be a driving force of Japan’s economic growth,” Suga told reporters in Japan, Bloomberg reports.

Yes, but: Pledges under the Paris agreement are non-binding.

What we're watching: Other climate announcements from the many countries taking part in the Thursday-Friday summit.

Go deeper: White House unveils plans for high-profile climate summit

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Japan vows deeper emissions cuts ahead of White House summit

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