Day Eighty: Japan comes round on emissions targets

Well, I've just blogged around the world in eighty days! Only 285 to go, until I meet my challenge to myself... not sure what will happen then, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it, eh?

For now, enjoy this great news fresh out of Japan. The Japanese government has just announced that it will set numerical targets for its own carbon emissions reductions, reversing the stance it took in Bali earlier this year. It seems the government has reflected on the Bali negotiations and the public outcry that ensued, and has decided to make a public commitment to specific targets at Davos in early 2008. According to the Reuters article linked here, the Japanese are also proposing a new financial mechanism (to support developing countries in moving towards low-carbon development) and a new category of targets designed for middle-income countries such as India and China. Thank you, Japan, for taking this constructive approach. And thanks for letting it slip out prior to Davos, just in case others decide to follow your lead... ! (Picture courtesy Reuters.)