Japan has announced a bold target to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 60% by fiscal year 2035, aiming to play a significant role in global climate change mitigation. The target is part of Japan’s broader strategy to transition towards a more sustainable and carbon-neutral future.

However, environmental experts have expressed skepticism, arguing that the goal may be overly ambitious given Japan’s current reliance on fossil fuels and energy-intensive industries. Japan has been slow to transition from coal and natural gas to renewable energy, and experts caution that achieving such a drastic reduction in emissions in just over a decade will require substantial investments in green technologies, infrastructure, and policy changes.

While Japan has already made some progress in increasing the share of renewable energy in its energy mix, critics point out that the country’s heavy industrial sector and high transportation emissions pose significant challenges. Japan’s reliance on nuclear energy and the slow rollout of hydrogen and other clean technologies could also hinder its ability to meet the target.

Despite these concerns, the new goal is seen as a positive step toward environmental responsibility and could serve as a blueprint for other industrialized nations striving to meet global climate commitments. The success of this target will depend largely on the implementation of more aggressive policies, increased government support for green innovation, and stronger collaboration between private and public sectors.

With the global climate community keeping a close watch, Japan’s commitment to cutting GHG emissions will be a key component of worldwide efforts to limit global warming and reach net-zero emissions by mid-century.