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.