Japan urged to “stop coal finance”

A large banner welcomed international delegates as they were entering the UN World Conference Centre in Bonn this morning.

The action urged to “STOP COAL FINANCE” amid chanting to “stop coal” in English and Japanese.

Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has emerged as one of the world’s key targets due to Japan’s antiquated view on coal financing. While the World Bank and IMF have outlawed the process, Japan continues to promote “Climate finance” as a way to artificially prop up a dying industry.

This is due to Japan’s continued investment of scarce public resources in overseas projects. Protestors claim that this funding needs to end if Japan wants to be a credible part of the Paris agreement.

On November 14,Japan and other world leaders will be urged to Stop Funding Fossils.

In this interview, Jake Schmidt, International Program Director of the Natural Resources Defense Council, speaks of the failing grades Japan is getting for its climate action.