Race for environment leadership in East Asia enough for green recovery?
In the midst of darkness, a glimmer of hope seems to be emerging for the world this year. The question is whether Japan is really coming along for the journey. A green and just future for all, especially for the youth of today and tomorrow, is within Japan's grasp but will this unmissable moment for much needed change be fully realized?
As COVID-19 continues, Japan's new administration is taking on the climate crisis by declaring a goal of carbon net zero by 2050. Along with neighbors China and South Korea, Japan's declaration of decarbonization means the race to net zero is on in East Asia. With U.S. President-elect Biden's 2050 decarbonization plan and the European Green Deal, over 50 percent of global GDP is now covered by net zero targets, so there is real momentum on the world stage.