What Should Japan's Energy Policy Be? Energy Scenarios to Achieve the 1.5°C Target

Japan Climate Initiative Webinar

June 5, 2024

3:00 - 5:00PM JST

Zoom Webinar

Online

This year, there will be a review of Japan’s Strategic Energy Plan, which serves as a guideline for Japan’s medium- to long-term energy policy and the formulation of Japan’s 2035 greenhouse gas reduction target. This will be key for determining the future direction of Japan’s climate change measures.

As the international community accelerates its move toward decarbonization, Japan’s 7th Strategic Energy Plan and next Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) will have a major impact not only on people's health and safety, but also on Japan's international competitiveness. Seizing this important opportunity, the Japan Climate Initiative (JCI) plans to publish a message calling on the Japanese government to ensure that its 7th Strategic Energy Plan and next NDC are ambitious enough to be consistent with the 1.5°C target.

In this webinar, several research institutes will introduce energy scenarios that will achieve the 1.5°C target. Panelists will discuss how Japan can achieve the goal of tripling renewable energy capacity and moving away from fossil fuels, as agreed at COP28. In addition, panelists will compare energy policy advocacy in Japan and overseas and discuss the importance of raising our voices, specifically emphasizing the significance of Japanese non-governmental actors such as companies, local governments, universities, and NGOs raising their voices together.

Agenda

1) Opening remarks and call for support for the JCI message: Takejiro Sueyoshi, Co-Chair of the Japan Climate Initiative 

2) What is the energy scenario to achieve the 1.5 degree target?

  • "IGES 1.5℃ Roadmap": Kentaro Tamura, Program Director, Climate Change and Energy, IGES
  • "Renewable Energy Institute 2035 Energy Scenario": Kae Takase, Senior Coordinator, Renewable Energy Institute
  • "WWF Japan 2050 Zero Scenario for a Carbon-Free Society 2024 Edition (tentative)": Masako Konishi, Specialist Director (Environment and Energy), WWF Japan

3) The gap between Japan and overseas energy policy advocacy and the importance of raising voices: Monica Nagashima, East Asia Director, InfluenceMap

4) Discussion and Q&A

5) Closing Remarks: Shigeo Kato, Co-Chair of Japan Climate Initiative 

Moderator: Tomomi Hirakami, Coordinator, Renewable Energy Foundation

Event Details

June 5, 2024

3:00 - 5:00PM JST

Zoom Webinar

Speakers

Speaker

InfluenceMap

Monica Nagashima

Director, East Asia

Monica oversees the research and stakeholder engagement in Japan at InfluenceMap. Previously, Monica was a researcher at the Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ) focusing on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and hydrogen policy. She holds a Double Masters in Environmental Policy and Energy from Sciences Po and International Relations from Peking University, and a BA in Environment and Information Studies from Keio University. Co-Founder and Director at Stand With Ukraine Japan.