Japan produced on June 10 a 15% emissions reduction target relative to 2005 in preparation for this year’s Copenhagen COP-15. The new target for the 2012-2020 period, amounting to 8-9% reductions relative to 1990, does not significantly deepen Japan’s current commitment, but it is nevertheless the result of an exceptionally spirited political struggle. It represents an unpopular compromise imposed by the Cabinet on both businesses and environmentalists, who proved to be unable to find any common ground in this matter.
This figure pales in comparison to the EU’s commitment and also to the requirements specified by the scientific community, and as such has encountered vigorous criticism both domestically and internationally. Still, it should still be noted that this target represents only emissions cuts the Japanese government believes to be achievable domestically. Japan may make further concessions during the actual conference, but, drawing lessons from its unenviable experience under Kyoto, Tokyo will continue its fence-sitting tactics until the parameters of the new regime are straightened out and the positions of other major emitters and economic competitors, especially China and the US, become clear. PDF Download
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