Japanese Prime Minister sets goal of zero emissions, carbon-neutral society by 2050

Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has said the country will aim to become carbon neutral by 2050.

In his first policy speech since taking office last month, Suga told Japan's parliament that his "administration will put the maximum effort to realize the green society by setting a virtuous cycle in the economy and the environment."

In the past, environmental groups such as Greenpeace have criticized Japan for what they considered slow progress on cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

CNN reports Japan emitted 1.24 billion metric tonnes of greenhouse gas in 2018.

Japan is the world's fifth-biggest emitter of carbon dioxide, and while steps are being taken to increase renewable energy, it also plans to roll out new coal-burning power stations.

[Source: CNN]