Japan will try to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 15 percent from 2005 levels as its midterm target for 2020, Prime Minister Taro Aso announced Wednesday, claiming the goal is bolder than those put forward by Europe and the U.S.
Government officials say a 15 percent cut from 2005 is the equivalent of an 8 percent reduction from 1990 levels.
The government had originally aimed for a 14 percent cut, but Aso added a percentage point after Environment Minister Tetsuo Saito pushed for a more aggressive target.