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Aso pledges 15% emissions cut by 2020

Japan will try to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 15 percent from 2005 levels as its midterm target for 2020, Prime Minister Taro Aso announced June 10, claiming the goal is bolder than those put forward by Europe and the U.S.

Government officials say a 15 percent cut from 2005 is the equivalent of an 8 percent reduction from 1990 levels.

The government had originally aimed for a 14 percent cut, but Aso added a percentage point after Environment Minister Tetsuo Saito pushed for a more aggressive target.

The final figure means Aso has put more weight on global environment concerns than the demands of Japan's industry.

Aso defended what he called an "ambitious" target. "We must impose a certain level of burden on the public over this midterm goal," Aso said. "But that is the cost of protecting the Earth. Japan must be prepared to tackle the global warming issue with this firm resolve." (The Japan Times)

Shukan ST: June 19, 2009

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National News Aso pledges 15% emissions cut by 2020 Japan will try to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 15 percent from 2005 levels as its midterm target for 2020, Prime Minister Taro Aso announced June 10, claiming the goal is bolder than those put forward by Europe and the U.S. Government officials say a 15 percent cut from 2005 is the equivalent of an 8 percent reduction from 1990 levels. The government had originally aimed for a 14 percent cut, but Aso added a percentage point after Environment Minister Tetsuo Saito pushed for a more aggressive target. The final figure means Aso has put more weight on global environment concerns than the demands of Japan's industry. Aso defended what he called an "ambitious" target. "We must impose a certain level of burden on the public over this midterm goal," Aso said. "But that is the cost of protecting the Earth. Japan must be prepared to tackle the global warming issue with this firm resolve." (The Japan Times) Shukan ST: June 19, 2009 (C) All rights reserved