Summer Sizzle & Green Ambitions: Japan's Climate Innovation Heats Up

Welcome! I am Hiroyasu Ichikawa, ichi, and this is issue 113 of the "Japan Climate Curation" newsletter?? The newsletter curates Japan-related climate news content weekly since spring of 2022 and has over 2,400 subscribers. You can subscribe by clicking on the LinkedIn page or the substack link.

*I had to skip last week's newsletter, so this week, I am bringing you news topics that caught my eye from July 2 to July 15! I hope you find the articles below beneficial for reading (or skimming)!

*note: "Climate Curation" newsletter in ????Japanese (every Saturday) is available on Linkedin/note/theLetter. It curates Japan and global climate-tech trends. I hope you like it.

[????????Japan Climate News Headlines]

【1】Japan adds ‘most severe’ category to its heatstroke index amid deadly summer [7/10 The Guardian]

• Japan adds a "most severe" category to its heatstroke index due to rising fatalities
• Tokyo reports six heat-related deaths as temperatures soar to 40°C in some areas
• Cooling shelters and public warnings issued as heatwave strains medical services

【2】Intense heat, torrential rain: It's another cruel summer in Japan [7/9 NHK World]

• Summer has only started in Japan, but the country is already grappling with extreme heat and record-breaking downpours.

【3】Apple, Amazon-Backed Group Asks Japan to Cut Emissions Faster [7/2 Bloomberg ??Gift URL]

• Japan Climate Leaders' Partnership , a coalition of 244 companies, including Apple and Amazon's local unit, urges the Japanese government to increase its emissions reduction targets significantly. The group proposes cutting emissions by over 75% from 2013 levels and increasing renewable energy in the power mix to 60% by 2035. This call comes as Japan prepares to update its climate targets for the Paris Agreement. The coalition emphasizes the need for faster adoption of renewable energy sources, including rooftop solar and offshore wind. They also stress the importance of including diverse voices in the national energy strategy review process.

【4】Japan Should Phase Out Coal Power by 2035, Climate Group says [7/8 Bloomberg ??Gift URL]

• Japan's Climate Initiative, comprising companies and NGOs, urges the government to accelerate its energy transition. The group proposes tripling renewable capacity and phasing out coal power by 2035. They suggest that Japan can increase renewables to 65% -80 % of its power mix and reduce emissions by 66% compared to 2013 levels by 2035. This call comes as Japan prepares its national energy strategy before the COP climate summit. The initiative emphasizes Japan's potential to decarbonize its electricity sector, aligning with G7 commitments and global efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C under the Paris Agreement.

【5】Japan's Kishida calls for 'OECD of Asia' to foster energy transition - Prime minister aims to build 'huge' market for decarbonization efforts [7/5 Nikkei Asia]

• Prime Minister Kishida outlines Japan's vision for leading Asia's decarbonization efforts, proposing an "OECD of Asia" to set guidelines. He emphasizes cooperation in creating a huge decarbonization market and plans to establish an "Asia zero-emission center" to support various sectors transitioning to clean energy.

【6】Can you really just sweep your CO2 emissions underground? Japan is about to find out. Japan has a vision for exporting its carbon pollution to address climate change. But will it work? [7/5 Vox]

Japan, a major carbon emitter, is pursuing carbon capture and storage (CCS) to reduce emissions. The country plans to export captured CO2 to Southeast Asian nations for underground storage, launching the world's first dedicated CO2 carrier ship. While proponents see this as an essential step towards decarbonization, critics argue it needs to be the more effective and potentially risky strategy that diverts resources from renewable energy development. The initiative faces high costs, limited storage capacity, and uncertain environmental impacts. Some experts suggest focusing on expanding Japan's renewable energy sector instead.

【7】Japan is 'best partner' for Africa in solar, hydrogen - U.N. agency head UNIDO's Mueller says crop yields could double with private-sector tech [7/9 Nikkei Asia]

• The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and Japan have strengthened their partnership to promote industrial development in Africa and other developing regions. UNIDO Director-General Gerd Mueller emphasizes Japan's potential as a critical partner for Africa in solar and hydrogen power development. The organization urges increased private-sector investment in Africa, highlighting the continent's expected population growth and the potential to improve agricultural productivity through technology transfer. UNIDO aims to facilitate Japanese companies' investments in developing nations by providing information, conducting feasibility studies, and leveraging its extensive network. This collaboration is crucial for sustainable industrial development in the Global South.

【8】Kyoto Fusioneering looks toward a 'Made in Japan' approach for nuclear fusion [7/7 The Japan Times]

• Recent nuclear fusion breakthroughs have sparked excitement, with the G7 backing its potential. Japan's unique manufacturing capabilities position it to play a crucial role in fusion development. Industry collaboration and increased funding are vital to advancing Japan's fusion ecosystem.

【9】All-natural powder saving agriculture [7/2 NHK World]

• An Indian researcher working in Japan has developed an all-natural polymer at EF Polymer India that can help alleviate water shortages by improving soil conditions for agriculture.

【10】As Japan's startup ecosystem grows, so does a supportive community of entrepreneurs [7/8 The Japan Times]

• Japan's startup ecosystem is growing through government support and grassroots community efforts, providing essential resources and connections for local and foreign entrepreneurs, such as Lina Sakai Watanabe , CEO of Fermenstation

??That's all for this week! Thank you for reading(or skimming) ??. I hope you will have a wonderful week ahead, Golden Week!

The "Climate Curation" newsletter (published in ???? Japanese every Saturday) is available on LinkedIn/note/theLetter.

• Please feel free to contact me via?email: hiroyasu.ichikawa [@]socialcompany.org if you have any research/consulting needs for your business or just for a coffee chat?.
• My personal Twitter(X) account (in ????Japanese) @SocialCompany

ichi (Hiroyasu Ichikawa)