Japanese policymakers are considering setting a target to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 60% by 2035, compared to 2013 levels, according to a government panel. This new target is being suggested for Japan’s upcoming updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, which should be unveiled before the end of 2024.
Under its current NDC, Japan has a goal to reduce emissions by 46% by 2030. The country also plans to reach net zero by 2050, and to achieve this goal, policymakers stated that Japan needed to reduce GHG emissions by 60% by 2035 and 73% by 2040.
Japan's total GHG emissions in fiscal year 2013 amounted to 1,395 MtCO2eq (their highest level ever, due to a rising thermal power generation after the Fukushima disaster in 2011 and to higher hydrofluorocarbon emissions from refrigerants). A 60% reduction would bring the countries emissions to around 558 MtCO2eq in FY 2035.