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On October 26, 2017, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the opening ceremony of the GEA (Global Environmental Action) International Conference 2017 held in Tokyo in the presence of Their Imperial Highnesses the Crown Prince and Crown Princess.

The Prime Minister said in his address,

“I would like to offer a few remarks on the occasion of the 11th GEA International Conference which is being held in the presence of Their Imperial Highnesses the Crown Prince and Crown Princess.

Last year, the Paris Agreement entered into force. With the effects of climate change becoming a reality, the sense of urgency felt by the international community has been rising to a level not seen before. Now is precisely when all countries are demanded to take bold actions to achieve sustainable development of the economy and society.

Under the Paris Agreement, Japan has established the ambitious goal to lower its greenhouse gas emissions by 26% by FY2030. Japan’s economy and society are now undergoing rapid changes towards meeting our targets, which include more than doubling the number of eco-friendly cars and more than quintupling photovoltaic power generation over the next five years.

Efforts are also underway aimed at a future hydrogen society. In March 2017, buses with high capacity fuel cells began operating in Tokyo for the first time in the world. By spring of 2018, a network of 100 hydrogen stations will be completed nationwide, and electricity generated from hydrogen will be supplied in Kobe for the first time in the world. Japan will continue to resolutely take on the challenge of developing globally pioneering, cutting edge innovations.

We will also share the outcomes of these innovations with countries all over the world. Through the combined efforts of the public and private sectors we will actively deploy Japan’s outstanding environmental technologies and infrastructure in developing countries, which will contribute to lowering greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on a worldwide scale.

The battle with climate change will continue until 2050 and beyond. We will establish a long-term strategy that carefully looks ahead to the future, and aim to realize a carbon-free society that is unmatched in the world.

We will hoist high the banner of proactive contribution to peace and contribute even more to world peace and prosperity. Japan is are determined to demonstrate strong leadership and work hand-in-hand with the international community to tackle various issues facing the world, including climate change and sustainable development.

It is the responsibility of those of us alive today to leave a beautiful earth to the future generations. Bold reform is necessary to solve environment, economic, and societal issues simultaneously and in parallel with each other in order to create a sustainable society. To this end, we must pool the world’s wisdom and take actions together.

In this sense, the GEA International Conference has an even growing role as a forum for bringing together corporate leaders, researchers, and government officials from Japan and other countries and discussing responses to climate change issues.

I have high expectations that fruitful and active discussions will take place regarding the future that the world should be aspiring towards.

In closing, I would like to wish all of you in attendance today even further success in your endeavors.”