Japan’s plan to become carbon neutral by 2050 is beginning to take shape as the government targets the nation’s biggest business: the automotive industry.
Decarbonization demands fundamental change in almost every industry and banning the sale of new gasoline-powered automobiles by the mid-2030s is the central government’s first major step toward achieving that goal.
But the scope, impact and intent of the climate plan are dubious, experts say, since it won’t ban hybrid vehicles nor does it promote or subsidize green electricity production.