A large assembly of community activists was present at the COP28 climate negotiations in the UAE to express their opposition to the Japanese government’s financing of new fossil fuel projects, advocating for a complete phase-out and a transition to renewable energy. The passionate demonstration, held on “Finance Day,” was coordinated by a global coalition of civil society groups and featured activists donning inflatable Pikachu costumes with a message urging Japan to bid farewell to fossil fuels.
Despite the urgent necessity of transitioning away from fossil fuels, Japan is actively contributing to the expansion of liquified gas (LNG) and other fossil-based technologies, which is anticipated to exacerbate the climate crisis and have adverse effects on communities and ecosystems. Communities in the Global South are particularly vocal in their opposition to Japan’s efforts to hinder the transition to renewable-based energy systems.
Japanese Prime Minister Kishida, in his address during COP28, championed the Asia Zero Emissions Community, a framework aimed at encouraging governments in the region to increase their reliance on LNG and other fossil-based technologies as part of their national decarbonization and energy plans. Additionally, he will be convening an ASEAN/Japan 50th Anniversary Summit to further rally Southeast Asian heads of state to support Japan’s fossil fuel-based technologies.
A recent report by Oil Change International revealed that Japan is the world’s second-largest provider of international public finance for fossil fuels, spending a staggering USD 6.9 billion annually on new oil, gas, and coal projects from 2020 to 2022. It was also disclosed that Japan is the largest provider of international public finance for fossil gas and has been a driving force behind the expansion of gas across Asia and globally. Furthermore, Japan is the foremost provider of international public finance for LNG export capacity, funding 50% of global international public finance for LNG export capacity projects.
The International Energy Agency’s (IEA) World Energy Outlook 2023 emphasizes the urgent need to curb new oil and gas investments in order to align with the 1.5-degree Celsius goal of the Paris Agreement. The IEA’s findings underscore the imperative of transitioning towards renewable energy systems.
Prominent figures in various organizations have voiced their opposition to Japan’s continued financing of fossil fuel projects, citing the devastating impact on local communities and the environment. These sentiments reinforce the call for a complete phase-out of fossil-based energy systems and a rapid transition towards renewable energy.
The situation has garnered international attention and prompted activists to demand responsible leadership from Japan. Community leaders and environmental advocates are urging Japan to abandon its fixation on fossil fuels and to move towards community-led renewable energy solutions.
It is evident that the issue at hand holds significant implications for the environment and the well-being of communities. Japan’s decisions on energy financing have far-reaching consequences, prompting global scrutiny and calls for a reassessment of its stance on fossil fuels.
In conclusion, the need to phase out fossil fuels and prioritise renewable energy has never been more urgent. The actions and investments of governments, particularly from major players such as Japan, play a pivotal role in determining the energy landscape for years to come. It is hoped that responsible decisions will be made to safeguard the future of our planet and its inhabitants.
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