Japan might consider introducing national emissions trading as part of a set of measures it intends to put together by early next year to tackle climate change.
The government is to compile a climate change plan to fulfill its pledge to reduce emissions by 26 percent by 2030 from 2013 levels, according to a statement issued yesterday. The pledge was made earlier this year to the UN.
Two government panels — one set up by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and another by the Japanese Ministry of the Environment — are to discuss the plan’s details, according to the statement.
A preliminary draft, released yesterday, proposed Japan should promote efforts to bring about a “green economy” and financially support actions to cut emissions.
It also commits to “carefully consider” national emissions trading, while closely examining any possible burden placed on domestic industries and employment as it takes account of trends in emissions trading overseas.
One Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry panel member said he opposes including national emissions trading in the government plan.
“At this point, there is little reason to position national emissions trading as an effective candidate,” Taishi Sugiyama, a senior researcher for the Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry, said in a statement.
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