Prime Minister Taro Aso has announced that by 2020 Japan will try to cut greenhouse-gas emissions by 15 percent from 2005 levels. He characterized this midterm plan as "ambitious" since it means a 33 percent improvement in the nation's energy efficiency.
Financial burdens will rise for industrial as well as household sectors. For example, it is estimated that the introduction of carbon-free power sources, such as nuclear and solar power, will increase each household's annual burden by ¥60,000 to ¥180,000.
While a 14-percent cut from 2005 levels was believed to be a strong candidate as the midterm target, Mr. Aso opted for the more severe cut. He says Europe's target translates into a 13 percent cut and America's, a 14 percent cut, from 2005 levels. He emphasized that Japan's plan excludes purchase of emission rights from abroad and absorption of carbon dioxide by forests, devices that the Europe and the U.S. plans include.