Submitted a petition calling for climate change targets to be achieved
Green Face Japan sent a letter of request dated December 2nd to four Diet members from both the ruling and opposition parties, calling on the Japanese government to achieve its climate change targets under the Paris Agreement.
This request was made as the Japanese government finalizes its climate change action targets ahead of the deadline for submission to the UN in February 2025. We sent further letters of request to eight Diet members on the following day, the 3rd, and intend to add more in the future.
Emphasis on the need for a 66% reduction target
At a joint meeting of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) on November 25, a draft NDC (Nationally Determined Contribution) was announced, proposing a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 compared to 2013 levels. While Green Face Japan appreciates this step, it emphasizes that a more ambitious target of at least a 66% reduction is needed to limit global warming to 1.5°C, in line with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines.
“The science is clear: Only by committing to a 66% reduction can Japan avoid the most devastating impacts of climate change,” said Yoshiro Sada, coordinator of Green Face Japan. “This is not only a scientific and moral imperative, but also a golden opportunity to lead the world in green innovation while ensuring economic stability for future generations.”
Concerns about energy strategy
Greenface Japan has expressed serious concerns about the government’s reliance on co-firing coal and ammonia as part of its energy transition strategy. Criticizing this approach as “unproven at scale and incompatible with the Paris Agreement,” Greenface Japan argues that such measures divert resources from truly sustainable solutions such as renewable energy and energy efficiency. “By accelerating the transition to renewable energy, we can fulfill our obligations to our citizens and demonstrate global leadership,” Greenface Japan said.
Call for transparency in emissions calculations
Greenface Japan also criticized the draft NDC for using the gross-net method to calculate emissions reductions. This method, which is rarely used in developed countries, counts only emissions in the base year and then subtracts carbon dioxide absorption by forests and other sources from emissions in the target year. This method has been criticized by independent experts as undermining the goals of the Paris Agreement.
A call to moral and spiritual action
In its petition, GreenFaith Japan cited the teachings of Shinto, Buddhism, and other spiritual traditions that emphasize the interconnectedness of all life and harmony with nature.
“Now is the time for wisdom and courage. As stewards of our planet, we have a grave responsibility to act decisively and ambitiously to address the climate crisis,” said Fletcher Harper, U.S.-based GreenFaith Executive Director. GreenFaith Japan is calling on the government to set a 66% emissions reduction target and revise its Basic Energy Plan to accelerate the transition to renewable energy. The organization reiterated its commitment to supporting the government in this effort and emphasized the moral and spiritual beliefs that unite faith communities across the country.