Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attended the Global Environmental Action International Conference in Tokyo this week.
The conference is held every two years, and this year focused on how to have environmental conservation while maintaining economic growth.
The Emperor acknowledged the growing global need to focus on climate change. In addressing the conference, he said: “Lively discussions will be held, and a message is delivered to people around the world in pursuit of a future in which we, our descendants, and all living things can enjoy the blessings of the global environment forever.” He added that it is vital to “each of us to take action to bring about the future we want.”
Professor Yoshino Akira, co-winner of the 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, supported the Emperor’s and the conference’s goal of environmental and economic groups working together. He said that developing the lithium-ion battery while keeping in mind environmental and economic concerns, and allowing for convenience, led to its success.
Also in attendance was Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide and members of the cabinet.
In his address, Prime Minister Suga said the world needs to be bold in its action against climate change. Japan plans to invest in green technologies while reducing carbon emissions and waste. Suga also announced that Japan will be the global leader in “efforts to realise the decarbonised world that the Paris Agreement aims for in cooperation with other countries.”
Additional topics discussed at the conference include renewable energies and taking care of plastic waste in bodies of water.
