World | Other World Stories
Japan aims to cut emissions up to 80% by 2050
Japan, the world's fifth biggest polluter, will announce a target next month for cutting domestic greenhouse gas emissions by 60 to 80 per cent from current levels by 2050, media reported on Sunday.
- Reuters
- Published: 23:52 May 11, 2008
Tokyo: Japan, the world's fifth biggest polluter, will announce a target next month for cutting domestic greenhouse gas emissions by 60 to 80 per cent from current levels by 2050, media reported on Sunday.
The target, more ambitious than Japan's current proposal for the world to halve emissions by 2050, is aimed at boosting its leadership in climate talks as host of the Group of Eight summit in July, the Nikkei and Asahi Shimbun said.
While the EU and Canada also favour a goal of halving global emissions by 2050, developing nations have said they would not sign up for such a goal unless the US did far more to curb emissions.
The Nikkei said Japan would also set out plans to create a carbon credit exchange, where companies can trade emission rights, but did not give details.
Japan is seeking to take a more active role in global talks on fighting climate change and has pushed for an industry-focused framework for a new UN climate treaty to follow the Kyoto Protocol, which ends in 2012.
Its proposal for a "sectoral approach" to targets, which sets greenhouse gas curbs on industries such as steel and cement, is meant to appease domestic businesses that have long said targets should reflect Japan's past efforts to raise energy efficiency.
But developing countries are suspicious that the approach will put their energy-intensive industries at a disadvantage and allow rich countries to get away with easier curbs on future emissions.
China said the sectoral approach was an important tool for fighting climate change but stopped short of a full endorsement.
The Mainichi Shimbun said African nations would support Japan's steps against global warming and welcome its plans to provide $10 billion (Dh36.73 billion) in aid to help developing countries fight climate change.
Do you think Japan's targets are too ambitious? Why? What nore can the international community do to decrease carbon emissions and encourage developing countries to participate? Tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com or fill in the form Below to Send your comments.
Share this article
News Editor's choice
-
Secret Service admits failure over White House-crashers
May pursue criminal investigation against salahis
-
Aquino, running mate file certificates of candidacy
Number of showbusiness glitterati show support for Cory's son
-
Polanski chalet secured for sentence
Court order specifies monitoring bracelet to be worn by sex offender
