The small island nations have reacted to Japan’s CO2 target announcement today.
Japan said it will reduce their emissions targets for 2020 from 25% below 1990 levels to 3.5% below 2005 levels - which is actually a 3.1% INCREASE above 1990 levels.
In response to the announcement made by Japan today that it is drastically reducing its emissions reduction target, the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), a group of 44 low-lying island and coastal nations that are the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change collectively raised their concerns.
“Given that Japan is the world’s 5th largest emitter the announcement represents a huge step backwards in the global effort to hold warming below the essential 1.5 - 2 degrees threshold and puts our populations at great risk. This is neither the time nor the place to be backtracking on commitments made by Leaders in Copenhagen. Developed countries have committed to taking the lead, and must do so as we work to peak global emissions this decade and ink a new global agreement in 2015″, says AOSIS.
AOSIS expressed their sympathy with the tragedy Japan suffered as a result of the Fukushima disaster as they continue to manage the difficult impacts of this ordeal.
“We are also aware that the crisis now unfolding in the Philippines in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan, which also caused significant damage in our member states of Palau and The Federated States of Micronesia, is just the latest example of a climate related extreme weather catastrophe.
Unless the international community works together to urgently reduce the greenhouse gas emissions responsible for climate change, we know more storms like Haiyan lie just around the corner. This is the reality island nations face today”.
Small island member states of AOSIS are still hopeful that COP19 will see actions that will make Warsaw the signature of our commitment that we truly care for the children of Kiribati and for the people of Philippines who are going through the ordeal of climate related impacts.
It is understandable that Japan and other countries present at COP are facing challenges in meeting their energy needs. There are abundant alternative renewable energy options available to move towards cleaner energy. Coal is definitely not the best option out of those.
Japan’s backtracking on their emissions commitment follows the similar stance taken by Australia at COP19. This indicates that the Umbrella Group is hardening in it’s positions which is very concerning as it may dampen the spirit in the negotiations.
Japan’s backtrack on climate action is unacceptable and is not an option for the world leaders to take. This is completely the wrong direction for Japan to go in, particularly after the latest climate science report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in September made explicit the need for climate action.
Japan…think about the future of your children and grand children. We know you like to play pranks but playing with the sustainable, safe and healthy climate future of your people is NOT a joke.
We’re concerned about the whole dynamics of the lead up to 2015 agreement now.
The world loved your original ambition. You were a star shining bright like a diamond. Shine again Japan…Get your original ambitions back.