Japan's Fresh Air | Climate Leadership

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Japan's newly elected Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama (Democratic Party of Japan) came into power at 2 minutes to midnight, leading without hesitation on plans to reduce green house gas emissions. It's an immediate push for policy change in Japan that seeks to sequester emissions by 25% in the next ten year window. To be sure both China and Japan have stepped up with responsible dialogue and plans for climate change action and sustainable energy development, in what seems very much like a breath of fresh air.

Should we argue with Sumo style climate politics? Within the context of prevailing business heavy-weights who have stood back to back with the previous government for over half a century, the Liberal Democratic Party, it would seem in order. Businesses have largely been allowed to self-monitor on climate commitments throughout the 90's up until now, much like the U.S., Japan hasn't made the changes required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Prime Minister Hatoyama comes from a political dynasty, although he seeks to break with tradition or more accurately not tow the political bureaucratic line, he wants to put the focus on the Japanese people, climate change and a greener Japan, thanking Obama for setting an example.

For Japan the LDJ has ruled for so long that Hatoyama and the DPJ's appointment is bound to take some heat. He's formed a coalition with the People's New Party and the Social Democratic Party further strengthening the DPJ's majority position in the Japanese Cabinet.

Does Hatoyama or the DPJ have a history for environmental leadership? The DJP's election platform focused heavily on employment and social security rather than environmental issues. However within Japan, Environmental NGO's and the Environment Ministry have stood with the DJP on key green issues. The Environmental voice in Japan has been proposing a 20-30% reduction in GHG's all along, so with the DPJ's most recent proposal it's easy to see that Climate is in fact a serious consideration in the party's outlook.

Another interesting green indicator is Hatoyama's decision to rework Japan's feed in tariffs policy. FIT's work to incubate investment, business and R&D for renewable energy, as demonstrated by countries like the Germany and Denmark. Hatoyama wants a more comprehensive FIT policy supporting a variety of clean energy technologies rather than just a solar program which is what was being proposed by the LDJ.

In seeking such a dramatic shift in government climate policy, we will have to wait to see how Hatoyama will lead into action. He seems confident that Japan has the scientific know how up for this challenge. At this point, leadership on climate action is required from all major GHG contributors. Hatoyama seems to think it's possible. Certainly it's better to stand up now than not recognize the need to stand up at all.