Japan's Emissions Reduction Target Under Review Amid Nuclear Crisis

Japan's target of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent by 2020 is facing scrutiny due to the ongoing nuclear crisis at the Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant. Vice Environment Minister Hideki Minamikawa has hinted that the target may be subject to review, citing the uncertain situation at the nuclear plant. This development raises questions about the feasibility of Japan's commitment to reducing CO2 emissions and the impact on its overall energy policy.

Key Takeaways:

• Japan's 25 percent emissions reduction target by 2020 is under review due to the nuclear crisis at the Fukushima plant.
• Nuclear power plants emit little CO2 when generating electricity, and Japan relies heavily on nuclear power to achieve its emissions reduction goals.
• The government's energy plan to raise the operating rate of nuclear power plants to 85 percent by 2020 may be difficult to implement due to the ongoing problems at the Fukushima plant.
• Implementing the 25 percent emissions reduction target may require increasing dependency on thermal power plants and other energy sources, which emit more CO2.
• The government should retract its commitment to cut emissions by 25 percent and review its overall energy policy to determine a realistic reduction target.
• The nuclear crisis at Fukushima may impact the crafting of a new framework to succeed the Kyoto Protocol in 2012.
• Japan's emissions reduction target may be forced to be recalculated if nations involved in the process change their nuclear power policies.
• New emission-reduction rules are expected to be agreed upon at the 17th Conference of the Parties to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change in 2011.
• Insisting on sticking to the 25 percent target could hinder rebuilding efforts in areas damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Statistics:

• 9.6 trillion yen estimated annual cost to make energy-efficient facilities ache Japan's 25 percent emissions reduction target.
• 65 percent operational rate of nuclear power plants in 2009.
• 85 percent target operational rate of nuclear power plants by 2020.
• 2012 expiration date of the Kyoto Protocol.

Sources:

• "Vice Environment Minister hints at rethink of emissions target" by The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 5, 2011.
• "Ministry to review emissions reduction plan" by The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 5, 2011.