Japan Commits Leadership in Asia’s Carbon Neutrality Quest at Inaugural AZEC Summit

At the first Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) summit in Tokyo, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida committed Japan to spearheading the drive for a carbon-neutral Asia, aiming to create a substantial decarbonization market to attract global investment. The summit, which excluded Myanmar due to its military rule since February 2021, brought together Japan, nine ASEAN nations, and Australia. They collectively endorsed a flexible approach to decarbonization, acknowledging the varied circumstances and starting points of each country. Kishida announced a formidable 4 quadrillion yen ($28 trillion) investment target for Asia’s decarbonization and the formation of a new body to assist AZEC members in achieving carbon neutrality. This pledge coincided with a celebration of 50 years of Japan-ASEAN relations, emphasizing a balance between economic growth, energy security, and emission reductions.

TOKYO (Kyodo) — Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pledged Monday that Japan will

Source: Japan PM Kishida vows to take lead in decarbonization in Asia – The Mainichi