NON STATE STAKEHOLDERS

Japan Climate Initiative

Japan should join calls for a “Green Recovery” and tackle climate crisis

The Japan Climate Initiative (hereinafter referred to as “JCI”) is a coalition of non-state actors established in July 2018 by Japanese companies, local governments and NGOs that pledge to stand at the forefront of global challenges in order to realize the decarbonized society envisioned by the Paris Agreement.
JCI comprises of nearly 500 diverse non-state actors that are playing active role in addressing climate change, such as large companies leading the Japanese economy, small and medium-sized enterprises supporting the local communities, local governments, religious groups, consumer groups, universities, think tanks, environmental NPOs/NGOs, etc. The total amount of greenhouse gas emissions and population of JCI members accounts for more than one-third of Japan’s total.
As collective voices of Japanese non-state actors, in February this year, JCI submitted a message calling for the enhancement of Japan’s Nationally Determined Contributions(NDC), and in May, another message calling for “Green Recovery” that contributes to the transition towards a decarbonized society to the Japanese government in order to encourage dialogues between Japanese non-state actors and the national government. Upon the "Online Platform Ministerial Meeting", we would like to deliver the voices of Japanese non-state actors to the world.

The spread of the COVID-19 infection has already taken lives of many people and has seriously affected the economy, corporate management, employment, and even social life both in Japan and in the world. It goes without saying that the most important issue right now is to take all possible measures to stop the spread of infection as soon as possible. While prioritizing these urgent efforts to address the coronavirus crisis, what we must not forget is to continue and strengthen efforts to overcome another crisis facing humanity, the climate crisis.
The stagnation of economic activity caused by the spread of infection is predicted to curb recent energy consumption and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. However, what is needed to overcome the climate crisis is not a short-term emission reduction due to reduced economic activity, but a continuous and substantial reduction in emissions that is compatible with economic growth a transformation into a decarbonized social and economic system.
If the efforts to tackle the climate crisis are delayed, natural disasters that threaten human lives such as typhoons, heat waves, droughts and floods will become uncontrollable. In addition, climate change is predicted to lead to the spread of pre-existing infectious diseases such as malaria and dengue fever, which could again cause the immense impact that the world is experiencing due to the COVID-19 right now.

Various international organizations, many countries, and various groups of companies have proposed "Green Recovery" and "Sustainable Recovery" that make investment for economic recovery contribute to climate change countermeasures. In addition to the European Union's green recovery plan, which is a representative example of the movement, “We Are Still In", a network of non-state actors in the United States, issued a statement calling on the U.S. Congress for support to Build Back Better. The voice of non-state actors calling for "Green Recovery” has been growing internationally.
Also in Japan, it is necessary to make recovery from the COVID-19 crisis consistent with efforts toward the transition to a decarbonized society. Many companies and local governments participating in JCI have taken the lead in efforts such as the expansion of renewable energy represented by RE100 and declaration of carbon neutrality. Recently, a series of proposals to raise the national renewable energy target for 2030 to more than 40 to 45%, which is about twice the current national target, have been announced by several groups of Japanese companies or local governments.

Prior to COP26 held in November 2021, the Japanese government will consider revisions of the Plan for Global Warming Countermeasures and the Strategic Energy Plan. JCI will proceed with discussions and hold dialogues with the Japanese government so that these amendments will become proactive toward the realization of a decarbonized society in terms of the phase-out of all coal-fired power plants and the significant expansion of renewable energy etc.
Again, JCI calls on the Japanese government to enhance its NDC including the revision of its greenhouse gas emissions reduction target, and to make the recovery from the coronavirus crisis “Green Recovery” that supports the climate efforts of non-state actors and contributes to the transition towards a decarbonized society, rather than fixing its dependence on fossil fuels.
JCI will actively participate in “Race to Zero”, which is a global campaign that non-state actors in the world join together with the aim of achieving net-zero as soon as possible, to accelerate Japan's efforts toward decarbonization and contribute to the earlier realization of a decarbonized society.

JACSES

Climate Change Program Leader/ Deputy Director-General
Executive Director

Risa ENDO, Climate Change Program Leader/ Deputy Director-General
Jiro ADACHI, Executive Director
Japan Center for a Sustainable Environment and Society (JACSES)

Abstract:
The ultimate goal of climate policies and actions is to maximize prevention against climate change damages. In light of the climate crisis and the social changes caused by COVID-19, it is important for countries, international organizations and other stakeholders to strengthen policies and actions, including adaptation measures for the most vulnerable groups, better energy access, employment opportunities, and poverty alleviation to ensure that no one is left behind.

Recommendation 1: Strengthening climate change adaptation measures for the most vulnerable groups

After the spread of COVID-19, damages believed to be caused by climate change, such as major cyclones, have been occurring around the world. Because of the increase in unemployment and poverty caused by COVID-19, there are also concerns about the growing number of vulnerable groups who are most likely to be affected by climate change.

Therefore, it is necessary for countries and international organizations to strengthen climate change adaptation measures and support*1 for the most vulnerable groups.*2 To this end, we should urgently identify and discuss which people have been left out of the rapid social changes caused by COVID-19, how they will be affected by climate change, and what kind of support is needed.

Recommendation 2: Accelerating global reduction for all types and sources of greenhouse gases in acomprehensive and cost-effective manner

The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions due to the reduction of economic activity during COVID-19 is temporary, and there are concerns that the emissions will increase significantly in the process of economic recovery. In order to prevent damage caused by climate change, it is necessary to dramatically reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. For this, we should not forget other types and sources of emissions than energy-derived CO2 since one-third of all greenhouse gas emissions are composed of CO2 from Forestry and Other Land Use, fluorocarbons, methane, and so on.

Therefore, all types and sources of greenhouse gas emissions should be targeted for mitigation measures, and cost-effectiveness should be also considered to accelerate domestic mitigation measures. In addition, international cooperation is necessary for the global reduction of all types and sources of greenhouse gases (it is important for countries to utilize their own areas of expertise). Furthermore, to monitor global progress and devote resources to each measure more effectively, we must improve the current statistical systems of countries and provide support for developing countries to strengthen their capacities.

Recommendation 3: Ensuring energy access for vulnerable groups and promoting decentralized renewable energy systems

Reduced incomes caused by COVID-19 could lead an increase in the number of people who have limited energy access. Although it is essential to ensure energy security for hospitals and health facilities to treat patients, many of them are still not electrified and experience unscheduled power outages around the world.

Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen support to secure clean and stable energy access for all. Especially in this time of the COVID-19 crisis, supporting medical facilities to ensure clean and stable energy should be prioritized.

It is also necessary to take measures with the assumption that a global infectious disease like COVID-19 will occur again in the future. If economic activities continue to shrink due to prolonged outbreaks of these diseases, there are concerns that energy supplies from abroad could be insufficient and that domestic and regional supplies could be unstable.

To prepare for the risks mentioned above, the transition from centralized to decentralized renewable energy systems that utilize local resources should be promoted. This is also important for decarbonization and mitigation measures.

Recommendation 4: Pursuing integrated solutions to economic, social, and environmental challenges in the process of economic recovery from COVID-19, considering climate change, environment, sustainability, and disaster resilience

COVID-19 has put many people out of work, and they have sunk into poverty. While a global economic recovery is urgently needed, there are concerns about a significant increase in greenhouse gas emissions during the economic recovery process.

Therefore, countries and international organizations should put all their efforts into implementing economic recovery measures that contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change adaptation measures, and give due consideration to sustainability and disaster resilience. The reskilling of those who have lost their jobs and support for them is also important in addition to creating jobs through green recovery. Furthermore, toward the achievement of the SDGs in 2030, various goals and targets are expected to be achieved simultaneously. In achieving climate change and environment-related goals, it is necessary to consider their impact and contribution to social and economic goals.*3


*1 - For example, ensuring access to information and services for those who lack access to the information and services needed to prevent climate change damages, and providing an equal safety net for all, and so on.
*2 - The following could be included in the vulnerable groups, for example: women, children, immigrants, indigenous people, those in need, people with disabilities, businesses with weak management capacity, and workers with weak individual rights and positions.
*3 - For example, poverty alleviation, gender equality, and energy and resource access.

Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia (SSFF & ASIA) is an international short film festival that began in 1999 and attracts more than 5,000 films globally every year. Since establishing the Minister’s Award, the Ministry of Environment in 2008, we have been delivering information on environmental issues, including climate change.
ショートショートフィルムフェスティバル & アジアは、1999年に開始した短編映画の国際映画祭で、毎年、世界各地から5000を超える数の作品が集まる。2008年に環境大臣賞を創設して以降、気候変動問題をはじめとする環境問題について、発信を続けている。

Following the current COVID-19 pandemic, SSFF & ASIA have begun streaming short films including past award winners on the online venue. This is a great example of how short films can be used to communicate climate change and environmental issues clearly and impressively.
今般のコロナを受け、過去の受賞作品などをwebサイトでオンライン配信を開始した。短い映像コンテンツで、わかりやすく、印象深く、気候変動・環境問題などを伝えることができる好事例。

The winner of the Environment Minister's Award 2020 is “OASIS” directed by Yuta Miyoshi.
2020年度環境大臣賞受賞作品は、「OASIS」（監督：三好優太）。

”OASIS” and past winners since 2014 are available for view at Venue.
本受賞作品および、2014年以降の受賞作品は、オンライン会場で見ることができる。