Towards zero emissions, climate conference in Japan will bring together young people and leaders

The government plans to host a conference in December involving young people as well as business and government figures to boost climate change awareness and create momentum towards achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions. by 2050, officials said on Monday.

The event, called the “national council”, aims to promote the use of renewable energies and environmentally friendly lifestyles.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has made reducing greenhouse gas emissions to zero on a net basis by 2050 one of the main policies of his administration.

He unveiled the pledge in his first political address to the Diet in October, bringing Japan into line with economies such as the European Union and the UK, which have set themselves the same goal.

The national council was conceived as a way to harness the energy of young people to fight climate change. Young people around the world, including young Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, have played a leading role in the call for climate action.

Participants at the next meeting are expected to stress the importance of business contribution to the fight against climate change. Reducing plastic waste should also be on the agenda.

Suga, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato and Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi are among the potential attendees of the meeting, along with representatives from the manufacturing and financial sectors as well as local governments.

Participants are expected to discuss their roles in bringing renewable energy to local areas and promoting green investments for environmentally friendly businesses, among others.

In addition to the national council, the government aims to hold the first meeting of a separate council by the end of the year to discuss concrete measures with local governments that will reduce emissions, officials said.