(ANSA) - ROME, OCTOBER 26 - Japan, the third largest economy in the world, will become a 'carbon neutral' country, that is to say zero emissions, by 2050. This is the goal indicated by Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga in his first political speech by the taking office, which significantly strengthens the country's commitments on climate change.
Suga put the environment at the fore in his speech, even as other major economies are lagging behind their climate promises.
"We will bring the total amount of greenhouse gases (emitted by Japan) to net zero by 2050," Suga told Parliament, stating, among applause, that he is aiming "to achieve a decarbonised society".
Tokyo had previously set a generically indicated zero emissions target for the second half of the century. The new deadline has been praised by activists and experts and puts Japan in line with the goals of Europe and Britain and a decade ahead of China, which last month set the target of 2060.
Suga did not provide precise details on how the Japan, a country still heavily dependent on coal, will respect the deadline, but said "the role of technology and innovation will be essential", citing examples such as next-generation batteries. (HANDLE).