[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the 31st meeting of the Global Warming Prevention Headquarters at the Prime Minister's Office.

During the meeting, discussions took place on Japan’s policies towards COP21 (the 2015 Paris Climate Conference) .

Based on today’s discussion, the Prime Minister said,

“On Sunday, I will depart Japan to attend COP21. I hope   to reach an agreement on a new international mechanism for reducing greenhouse gas emissions to replace the Kyoto Protocol.

Today, we finalized Actions for Cool Earth  2.0, which is shortened to the acronym ACE 2.0. This further strengthens Japan’s contributions toward combating climate change, shown in ACE which was created in 2013.

The first component of these actions is providing support to developing countries. Japan finds it very important that all countries participate in the new international mechanism.

In order to encourage the active participation of developing countries, Japan will increase its annual financial support to 1.3 trillion yen by the year 2020. I believe this will lay the groundwork for developed countries to achieve the long-term finance of 100 billion dollars a year by 2020. 

The second component is innovation. The key to balancing climate change measures and economic growth is the development of innovative new technologies. This includes technologies to manufacture, store and transport hydrogen with the goal of creating a carbon-free society. It also includes developing next generation batteries that will extend the range of current electric vehicles fivefold.

By next spring, we will compile the energy and environmental innovation strategy. We will identify promising fields on which to focus and strengthen research and development.

The government will exert its best efforts so that a fair and effective mechanism is created in which all countries will participate. I ask for your assistance in this regard.”