Chair’s Summary

Chair's Summary
The Global Environmental Action (GEA) International Conference 2020: “Integration of theEnvironment and Economy: Towards a Virtuous Cycle of Environment and Growth” was convenedin Tokyo on 14 and 15 December 2020.
This conference was organised by GEA and co-convened by the Government of Japan (Ministryof Foreign Affairs; Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology; Ministry ofAgriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry; Ministry of Land,
Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism; Ministry of the Environment). The aim of the conference is
to clarify the critical state of the global environment and disseminate to the rest of the world key
recommendations from the conference for realising a virtuous cycle of environment and growth,
while overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic.

1. Opening Ceremony
In attendance of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, the conference began with an opening
speech by GEA Chairman TAKESHITA Wataru, an address by His Majesty the Emperor, and aguest speech by Prime Minister SUGA Yoshihide. This was followed by a keynote speech by UN
Environment Programme Executive Director Inger ANDERSEN and a commemorative speech by
Asahi Kasei Honorary Fellow YOSHINO Akira (2019 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry). The Chairof GEA International Conference 2020 was TAKEMOTO Kazuhiko, Visiting Professor at the
UNU Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) and Project Professor at the
University of Tokyo.

Opening Speech
In his opening speech, GEA Chairman TAKESHITA Wataru expressed his gratitude for being
able to convene this year’s conference while prioritising measures to prevent COVID-19 risk. He
also expressed his hope that experts taking action on the global frontlines and GEA Members will
engage in active discussion, and that insights from these discussions could contribute to thrusting
international discourse that definitively advances the Paris Agreement. Moreover, while aiming
toward resolving global environmental issues, he expressed his expectation that people who respect
the diverse cultures of countries around the world will play an active role in the future.
His Majesty the Emperor’s Address
His Majesty the Emperor gave his address. His Majesty expressed that paving the way forconserving the global environment from climate change and other threats is a challenge for which
we must take immediate actions. His Majesty also stated that this conference is an invaluable
opportunity to gather the global wisdom and foster cooperation between people from different
countries and backgrounds, to move forward towards creating a sustainable society. His Majesty
highlighted that 2020 is an important year that marks the start of the Decade of Action to implement
the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the beginning of implementing the Paris Agreement
to tackle climate change, and that today, as the world is expected to make substantial progress on
10

initiatives to meet these goals, how every individual should act to achieve the future we want iscalled into question. Then, His Majesty expressed hope for convening active discussions towardrealising a future where people—we, our children, and grandchildren—and all living beings canenjoy the gifts of the global environment for a long time, as well as sharing key messages with theworld. At the same time, His Majesty hoped that we can overcome the challenge of the COVID-19
pandemic, and make further progress on specific measures toward realising a sustainable society.

The Prime Minister’s Guest Speech
Prime Minister SUGA Yoshihide emphasised that global environmental issues, such as the climatechange impacts already being experienced, are becoming formidable threats to the international
community and that bold action from all countries is essential. With respect to his declaration toachieve carbon neutrality by 2050 in his policy speech in October 2020, he stated that this is a goalthat Japan must achieve in order to catch up to global trends and stay a step ahead. He expressed hisview that addressing environmental issues does not constrain economic growth, but rather supports
the transformation of the entire economy and society, generating great growth. To transform theway of thinking toward a virtuous cycle of the environment and economy, he announced that a twotrillion yen fund will be established as part of the third supplementary budget of FY2020, which
will continuously support companies that are taking on the challenge of developing ambitious
innovations for the next 10 years. Moreover, he stated that the Global Zero Emission ResearchCenter, established in January this year and led by its General-Director Dr. YOSHINO Akira, will leadthe world’s green industries and create a virtuous cycle of the economy and environment throughhighly practical research and development. He also mentioned that, to realise the Osaka Blue Ocean
Vision shared at the G20 Osaka Summit last year and currently endorsed by 86 countries, Japan
will be providing developing countries with technical assistance, aiming toward reducing additional
pollution by marine plastic litter to zero by 2050. To conclude, stating that leaving a beautiful earth
to the next generation is the responsibility of all living people today, he expressed his high hopes
for fruitful and active discussions toward simultaneously addressing environmental, economic, andsocial issues at this conference.
Keynote Speech (Video Message)
Ms. Inger ANDERSEN, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) and the Executive
Director at the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) thanked Japan for announcing a twotrillion yen economic policy to combat climate change as part of its COVID-19 recovery effort,emphasising that this will pave the way for achieving net-zero emissions in Japan and that this is
the leadership that the world needs. She stated that the global COVID-19 pandemic is illustrativethat the three global crises (the climate crisis, crisis for biodiversity and nature, and the crisis ofpollution and waste) have not been addressed, and that the critical challenge of this century is “to beat peace with nature” (see Appendix 1 for details).
Additionally, she expressed that Japan can lead efforts to tackle the three crises through actions in
the following areas:① Green technology: By promoting and disseminating research and development in renewableenergy and other core technologies, she stated that Japan can accelerate progress on achieving11policy targets to conserve nature.
② Circular economy: Japan has been taking action on circular economy since 1991, and has
the technology, creativity and knowledge to transform the economy while reducing resource
consumption.
③ Sustainable infrastructure: Sustainable infrastructure solutions must be prioritised to address all
three crises, and that Japan is already taking a leading role within the G20.
Moreover, she stated that 2021 must be the year when we “flip the green switch” and pave the way
for global sustainability. She expressed her confidence that Japan can play a leading role to create
this path toward a better future for the world.

Commemorative Speech
Asahi Kasei Corporation Honorary Fellow and 2019 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, Dr. YOSHINO
Akira delivered his commemorative speech, in which he introduced scenarios toward realisinga sustainable society through the use of lithium-ion batteries. Most applications of lithium-ion
batteries today are for electric vehicles (EVs), and EVs are projected to make up roughly 15% of
all new vehicle sales in 2025. Given this projection, he pointed out that, to achieve a sustainable
society, it is necessary to further disseminate EVs and the environmental aspects, affordability
and convenience must harmoniously improve. While this seems unachievable at first glance, heemphasised that innovation can make this possible and that it would be necessary to envision a “carsociety” beyond 2025, given significant technological transformations such as AI, IoT, and 5G. He
suggested that if applications of Connected-Autonomous-Shared-Electric (CASE) and Mobility as aService (MaaS) are deployed, then the era of the Artificial-Intelligence-Electric-Vehicle (AIEV) willsoon follow. He highlighted that, when this happens, it is estimated that all the EVs in Japan would
be equivalent to a 250GW/h battery storage system, which would reduce the individual cost to 1/7of the current burden and thereby allow us to overcome the paradox of environment and economy.

2. Thematic Sessions
During the Thematic Sessions, there were focused discussions on the following five themes. The
main points are summarised below (see Appendix 2 for more information).
① Implementing the SDGs and the Paris Agreement and Moving towards the Post-2020 Global
Biodiversity Framework● The redesign of the socioeconomic system necessary to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic● Actions needed to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050
● Elements to be included in the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework and targets, and theroles for governments and businesses to play to align the coexistence with nature and climatechange countermeasures● The need to expand synergies for the achievement of the SDGs, the Paris Agreement and global
biodiversity targets● Roles played by stakeholders for social change② Innovations for Renewable Energy Diffusion● Outlook on the diffusion of renewable energies in Japan and abroad
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● Technologies to diffuse variable renewable energies (VRE) in Japan and abroad● Effective policies and measures for the transformation of the energy demand side in Japan andabroad (initiatives taken by stakeholders such as local governments and businesses)● Importance of innovation for expanding renewable energy● Policies and measures for expanding renewable energy in line with a long-term target toward
carbon neutrality③ Climate Change Adaptation and Water● Scientific knowledge and predictions on climate risks● Promotion of effective, climate-conscious disaster risk management● Climate-conscious international cooperation to address climate-related disasters④ Promotion of Circular Economy and Countermeasures for Marine Plastic Litter● Policy development based on the circular economy concept in Japan and overseas● Considering solutions for marine plastics● Importance of international collaboration⑤ Strategic Initiatives for Achieving SDGs: Local Governments, Business and the Financial Sector● Progress of initiatives towards achieving the SDGs with respect to local governments, businesses,
and the financial sector● Approaches to “Localising the SDGs” and the role of stakeholders● Directions for future stakeholder actions

3. Wrap-Up Session and Acknowledgements
Under the facilitation of the Chair of GEA International Conference 2020, each session chair
reported on the key points of their respective thematic session, and all GEA Members and session
speakers further deepened their discussion. The results of these discussions were integrated into
Appendix 2, "Thematic Sessions."
In his closing remarks, the Chair expressed his gratitude to the GEA Members and the GEA
Secretariat for their utmost efforts in organising this meeting despite the difficult conditions of the
COVID-19 pandemic that led to the postponement of this conference from March to December,to the speakers and participants around the world who participated either in-person at the venue or
online, and to all staff who enabled the smooth operation of this conference.

13

Appendix 1
Summary of Keynote Speech
Ms. Inger ANDERSEN, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) and the Executive
Director at the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) thanked Japan for announcing a twotrillion yen economic policy to combat climate change as part of its COVID-19 recovery effort,emphasising that this will pave the way for achieving net-zero emissions in Japan and that this is
the leadership that the world needs. She stated that the global COVID-19 pandemic is illustrativethat the three global crises (the climate crisis, crisis for biodiversity and nature, and the crisis ofpollution and waste) have not been addressed, and that the critical challenge of this century is “to beat peace with nature”. To be at peace with nature, the following four points are necessary.
● While we must reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to address the climate crisis, the world isfalling desperately short on reducing GHG emissions. She introduced a key finding from UNEP’s
Emissions Gap Report 2020 released in December that global emissions far exceed amounts inalignment with the Paris Agreement targets. She stated that it is reassuring that 126 countries,
including Japan, have committed to zero emissions, which together produce 51% of global
emissions, and that if the United States follows suit, then the commitment would be equivalent to63%. However, she added that each country must add short-term policies and actions into their
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) prior to the 26th session of the Conference of theParties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
● It is necessary to address the crisis of biodiversity and nature. She explained that nature supports
14 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and that over half of the global GDP isdependent on nature. She also mentioned that the rising level of awareness among national
governments and businesses as demonstrated at this year’s UN Biodiversity Summit as wellas Japan’s expansion of the SATOYAMA Initiative are critical steps toward achieving thebiodiversity targets.
● Regarding the issue of exacerbations of pollution and waste, she shared that, by 2025, 2.2 billion
tonnes of waste will be released annually by the world’s cities and that pollution is a major causeof biodiversity loss in the Asia-Pacific region. Acknowledging that Japan, having experienced theissue of Minamata disease, has been taking leadership in global mercury reduction and national
capacity-building efforts, she expressed her hopes for even stronger partnerships. Moreover,the International Council of Chemical Associations will agree on a post-2020 framework forchemicals and waste in 2021, and she stated that this is an opportunity for Japan to be a leader informulating the new framework for chemicals and sound waste management.
● She stressed the need for “green recovery” to recover better from the COVID-19 pandemic andthe need to prioritise integrated actions. She pointed out that green recovery can provide us with
an opportunity to reset our economies, transform patterns of consumption and production, andinvest in green jobs, renewable energy, sustainable food systems, and green infrastructure.
Additionally, she expressed that Japan can lead efforts to tackle the three crises through actions in
the following areas:① Green technology: By promoting and disseminating research and development in renewable
14

energy and other core technologies, she stated that Japan can accelerate progress on achieving
policy targets to conserve nature.
② Circular economy: Japan has been taking action on circular economy since 1991, and has
the technology, creativity and knowledge to transform the economy while reducing resource
consumption.
③ Sustainable infrastructure: Sustainable infrastructure solutions must be prioritised to address all
three crises, and that Japan is already taking a leading role within the G20.
Moreover, she stated that 2021 must be the year when we “flip the green switch” and pave the way
for global sustainability. She expressed her confidence that Japan can play a leading role to create
this path toward a better future for the world.

15

Appendix 2
Summary of and Comments from the Thematic Sessions
Session 1: Implementing the SDGs and the Paris Agreement and Moving towards the Post2020 Global Biodiversity Framework
Session Chair:
TAKAMURA Yukari
Professor, Institute for Future Initiatives, the University of Tokyo
Keynote Speech:
KOIZUMI Shinjiro
Minister of the Environment / Member, House of Representatives, Japan
Speakers:
TAKEUCHI Kazuhiko
President, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) / Chair, Central Environment
Council, Government of Japan
Yannick GLEMAREC
Executive Director, Green Climate Fund (GCF)
FUTAMIYA Masaya
Chair, Committee on Responsible Business Conduct & SDGs Promotion, Japan Business
Federation (Keidanren) / Director-Chairman, Sompo Japan Insurance Inc.

The redesign of the socioeconomic system necessary to recover from the COVID-19
pandemic● The COVID-19 pandemic, which is now causing a global crisis, shares a common backgroundwith the climate and biodiversity crises, including rapid deforestation, urbanisation, and the massand long-distance movement of people due to globalisation. Now more than ever, there is a needfor social change in all countries across the globe to achieve a resilient and sustainable world,and Japan needs to play a leading role in the international community.
● COVID-19 has had various effects on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, air pollution, economies,
investments, and international environmental policy, etc. The pandemic has exposed thevulnerability of Japanese society and challenges for resilience1, necessitating social change,changes in lifestyles, and changes in how to pursue a decarbonised and sustainable society. It
is important to envision the future society we want and think about the challenges and paths toachieve it. As a sign of economic and social redesign, stakeholders such as local governments,
companies and financial organisations are taking action.
● The COVID-19 pandemic and its far-reaching effects require a rapid and urgent response andrecovery. In this context, the question is how to effectively pursue the redesign of the socioeconomic system toward realising a sustainable and resilient world (as illustrated by the Triple R
Framework of the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES)).
1

Resilience: the ability of societies or organisations to flexibly adapt to various risks and external forces, minimise damage, and swiftly
recover to normalcy.

16

● The redesign of the socioeconomic system should aim to enhance environmental, economic andsocial aspects within planetary boundaries. Specific directions for redesign include the “threetransitions” (transition to a decarbonised society, transition to a circular economy, and transition
to a decentralised society), and the localisation of the SDGs through adopting the circulating andecological sphere concept, as envisaged in Japan’s Fifth Basic Environment Plan. This concept
aims to promote decarbonisation, resource recycling, and coexistence with nature in an integrated
manner at regional, national, and global levels, taking into account the relationship between
urban and rural areas.
● Keidanren aims to establish a sustainable form of capitalism with Society 5.0, a society that
identifies social issues through digital transformation (DX), and creates value and solves
problems using the imagination and creativity of a diverse range of people.
● We must backcast from future visions to clarify actions to be taken and accelerate theimplementation of these actions.

Actions needed to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050
● Taking ambitious action toward carbon neutrality by 2050 will bring about growth through thetransformation of the entire economy and society, and contribute to solutions of various problems
in the region.
● In order to link climate change countermeasures to the recovery from COVID-19 and green
growth, it is necessary to promote energy efficiency, low-carbon energy, and decarbonisation ofenergy at the same time.
● Improving energy efficiency (energy-saving) and developing low-carbon and decarbonised
energy are key to achieving carbon neutrality in 2050. While it is essential to develop anddisseminate innovative technologies from a long-term view, it is important to steadily improveand disseminate existing and readily available low-carbon and decarbonised technologies(renewable energy, electric vehicles, ZEH (net zero energy house), ZEB (net zero energy
building), etc.). This will pave the way to foster green industries and green growth, andachieve early reduction. Along with technological innovation, social innovation to enable
the dissemination of existing technologies is even more important, through which systems(regulations, incentives/disincentives, markets) are reorganised and continuously improved ina manner consistent with the achievement of goals. It is also important that current investment
decisions are consistent with the 2050 carbon neutrality goal.
● The introduction of carbon pricing is one of the most important means for achieving carbon
neutrality in 2050. It is important to create a scheme that includes a specific design, and that is
effective and convincing for various stakeholders involved in decarbonisation, including people
affected by the transition to decarbonisation. The national government must take leadership in
important efforts to achieve carbon neutrality and nationalise key projects. Industry, government,
academia, and ministries must also take concerted action. In order to promote innovation, it isnecessary to enhance basic research, not only in the fields of science and engineering, but also
in a wide range of subjects including biology. It is essential to not only provide fixed technicalsupport, but also pick up the seeds of a wide range of innovations that may contribute to carbon
neutrality and put them to practical use.
● Established by the UNFCCC in 2010, the Green Climate Fund (GCF) makes investments in eight17

strategic areas relevant to both adaptation and mitigation, in line with countries’ priorities. As of
November 2020, 159 projects across 117 countries have been approved, among which 50 projects
are for ecosystems and ecosystem services, with total funding of USD 419 million. The GCF’s
Strategic Plan 2020-23 aims to transition towards low-emission, climate-resilient development
pathways, in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
● COVID-19 in developing countries has been causing declines in domestic public revenue,
downgrades in sovereign credit rating 2, declines in private external finance, and solvency
and liquidity crises for SMEs. There is an urgent need to provide strong green stimulus for
COVID-19 recovery.
For fostering social transformation and green industry toward carbon neutrality, Japan can
support the green recovery of developing countries by providing funding and technology.

Elements to be included in the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework and targets, andthe roles for governments and businesses to play to align the coexistence with nature andclimate change countermeasures● The Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework should include: (1) Spatial conservation measuresfor biodiversity outside protected areas; (2) Strengthening of synergies through the integration ofdiverse efforts; (3) Biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of resources through landscapeand seascape approaches3, as promoted by the Satoyama Initiative; (4) Balance of socioeconomic
needs or goals and biodiversity conservation; (5) Mainstreaming of biodiversity into other UN
processes, such as poverty reduction and climate adaptation.
● Businesses can deliver technologies, products and services that contribute to the new framework,
such as those that promote digital transformation (DX). By strategically disseminating
information internally and externally in cooperation with the Ministry of the Environment andthe business community, the general public’s understanding can be improved. Moreover, thebusiness community’s efforts can be further promoted.
The need to expand synergies for the achievement of the SDGs, the Paris Agreement, andglobal biodiversity targets● It is necessary to aim to simultaneously achieve the SDGs, climate goals and biodiversity targets
through synergies, as well as consider food security as an issue that intersects these challenges.
It is vital to implement integrated efforts on decarbonisation, resource circulation and nature
conservation at multiple levels across local, national and global scales. Local governments’actions require financial support from the national government.
● Policy integration has the potential to cut investment requirements by nearly half in key sectors
to meet the SDGs and Paris Agreement, as compared to fragmented policies that do not consider
synergies.
● The Green Climate Fund (GCF) Readiness Initiative has been useful in incorporating synergies
and promoting policy integration in the formulation of NDCs in developing countries.
2

Sovereign credit rating: An assessment of a country or sovereign entity’s creditworthiness (the ability and willingness to pay principal andinterest on bonds and debt).
3
Landscape and seascape approaches: Approaches that integrate social, economic, and environmental dimensions to address complex
challenges in clearly determined terrestrial and/or marine spaces.

18

● Japan provides funding to the GCF, and the MUFG Bank also provides similar support todeveloping countries.

Roles played by stakeholders for social change● DX can play a role in helping companies visualise social issues and co-create value with diverse
stakeholders.
● To achieve decarbonisation, initiatives by not only large companies but also small and mediumsized enterprises are necessary.

19Session 2: Innovations for Renewable Energy Diffusion
Session Chair:
Michael NORTON
Environment Programme Director, European Academies Science Advisory Council (EASAC)
Speakers:
Helene von REIS
President / CEO & CSO, IKEA Japan K.K.
MIYAKE Kahori
Executive Officer, CSR & Communication, AEON Co., Ltd. / Co-Chair, the Japan Climate
Leaders’ Partnership (JCLP)OGIMOTO Kazuhiko
Project Professor, Institute of Industrial Science, the University of Tokyo

Outlook on the diffusion of renewable energies in Japan and abroad● From 2010 to 2019, solar and wind power, which have large deployment potential, achieved
remarkable expansion in Japan, Asia, the United States, and Europe. Today, there aretechnological solutions that are deployable at a large scale and are increasingly cost-competitive.
● Geothermal power is estimated to be able to provide gigawatts (GW) of baseload anddispatchable renewable energy anywhere in the world for less than USD 50/MWh by 2030,
and Japan should take further action to make use of its geothermal resources. For biomass, it isnecessary to develop projects that can demonstrate climate benefits across the whole lifecycle,
and at time scales relevant to meeting the Paris targets.
● The deployment of renewable energy amounting to 7.7 terawatts (or 3.3 times current global
capacity) has been shown to be feasible and could be achieved cost-effectively today.
Technologies to diffuse variable renewable energies (VRE) in Japan and abroad● To expand variable renewable energy (VRE)4, it is necessary to improve flexibility while alsoutilising demand-side equipment. To further diffuse VRE, technologies that allow for greater
flexibility in energy usage, such as electric vehicles (EVs) and heat pumps, play a vital role.
● Battery technology is becoming increasingly affordable because of the diffusion of EVs.
Distribution grid operators are introducing mid-scale batteries to upgrade the grid system while
avoiding increases in total cost. Power-to-X applications (technologies to use electricity for heator hydrogen production), which support sector coupling5, are emerging.
● Hydrogen produced from renewable electricity through electrolysis can be used as a medium ofenergy storage for seasonal adjustment and thereby reduce the curtailment of VRE. Indicative
sectors that can utilise hydrogen include transport (for large vehicles, shipping, aviation, etc.) andindustry (for use of high temperature heat, feedstock, etc.).
Effective policies and measures for the transformation of the energy demand side in Japan
4

Variable renewable energy (VRE): Energy sources whose electricity generation varies depending on weather conditions, e.g. wind powerand solar photovoltaics (PV).
5
Sector coupling: A holistic approach to decarbonisation that involves coupling and connecting renewable energy-based electricity with otherenergy and energy-intensive sectors, such as heating and cooling, transport, and industry and manufacturing.

20

and abroad (initiatives taken by stakeholders such as local governments and businesses)● The state of policies impacts corporate competitiveness and location competitiveness.
Governments and global companies are shifting to 2030 targets in line with the 1.5 °C target, andthe risk that areas with high renewable energy procurement costs may be removed from supply
chains is increasingly within the realm of possibility. It is important to consider how to support
small- and medium-sized companies, which tend to have fewer economic resources and are indisadvantaged positions along the supply chain, so that they are able to purchase low-cost RE.
● Meanwhile, leading companies are paying a cost penalty for leading in their use of RE because
the externalities of fossil fuels are not properly accounted for in energy pricing. This is a barrier
preventing their leadership from becoming the norm for other businesses, illustrating the basis
for setting an effective carbon price that reflects full costs of global warming.
● There is demand for buildings powered by RE, but the costs are high. Large companies such as
IKEA can, as building tenants, encourage more RE-powered buildings and cost reduction, andthereby create incentives for more companies to decarbonise.
● To prevent Japanese companies from falling behind the global trend toward decarbonisation, it iscritically important to set not only long-term, but also short-term ambitious emission reduction
targets.
● Corporate networks such as RE100 and the Japan Climate Leaders’ Partnership (JCLP) also playvery important roles.
Importance of innovation for expanding renewable energy● Systemic innovation is crucial. Countries need to devote more attention to enabling smarterenergy systems through digitalisation, sector coupling via scaling up electrification, anddecentralisation.
● Centralised generators must support distributed sources (as in the prosumer6 model).
● Apart from technological innovation, it is also necessary to create a framework to promote lowcarbon/decarbonisation technologies, businesses, and behaviours. To do so, transformativechange of economic and social systems is needed.
Policies and measures for expanding renewable energy in line with a long-term target
toward carbon neutrality● In order to expand decarbonisation technologies within a timeframe relevant to the Paris targets,
it is important for the public to have a well-balanced understanding about the risks of the climate
crisis and the risks or negative impacts of such technologies as nuclear power, geothermal
power, and large-scale solar PV and wind farms. Public engagement in discussions regarding theclimate crisis and the need to expand decarbonised energy sources is thus an important part ofgovernment strategy.
● To maximise the contribution of renewable electricity for 3E+S7, it is critical to ensure a stablesupply and demand and affordability through upgrading the operation of electricity market
6

Prosumer-based decentralised generation: Electricity generation for use on-site (as opposed to receiving energy through the grid whenelectricity is generated at a large, centralised facility) by energy “prosumers" (those who both produce and consume electricity).
7
The principle of 3E+S in Japan's Energy Basic Plan, under the premise of ensuring “Safety”, emphasises best efforts to meet the objectiveof “Energy Security” (stable supply) while also concurrently pursuing “Economic Efficiency” (lowering energy costs by enhancing energy
efficiency) and conservation of the “Environment”.

21systems. In particular, there is a need for greater connectivity to allow excess supply in one area
to be used elsewhere (as demonstrated by the Kyushu example).
● In Japan, referring to international norms shown at the International Energy Agency (IEA)’s
World Energy Outlook 2020 (WEO2020), it is necessary to set a target of a 50% renewableelectricity share in 2030 in order to maintain corporate competitiveness. Ambitious targets offer
prospects for market expansion and stimulate private investment, thereby reducing costs throughcapitalising on the economies of scale.
● It is essential to achieve on-site and off-site Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)8 to stimulate therenewable energy market. Expanding the use of renewable energy without using feed-in tariff/
premium schemes (FIT(P))9 could alleviate the burden on the public.
● At the individual level, we must establish education that encourages youth to think critically andactively contribute to discussions about decarbonisation and actions such as choosing RE.
● Improvements in decision-making processes and mind-set about the energy mix are vital. It isnecessary to create decision-making processes that integrate climate change, so that the energy
mix and the NDC are in alignment with the 1.5 °C target.
● Based on the above discussion, it is important to design a proper decision-making process. In
particular, in Japan, it is necessary to initiate discussions regarding priority-setting among various
options, based on multiple quantitative scenarios.

Note: In Session 2, there were critical discussions that went beyond the scope of RE. It was
discussed that it would be important to continue to develop Carbon dioxide Capture, Utilisation andStorage (CCUS) technologies since emissions from Japan’s industrial sector exceed 500 million
tonnes of CO2 per year. The question of how “growth” is conceptualised was also raised. The current
conceptualisation of growth based on GDP is an underlying cause of the current crises because it isbased on increasing consumption. The importance of offering alternatives to measure “well-being”
rather than just consumption was pointed out.

8On-site Power Purchase Agreement: An agreement in which the electricity consumer provides the electricity producer with space forrenewable energy generation plant(s), and directly purchases the electricity generated on-site.
Off-site Power Purchase Agreement: An agreement through which the electricity consumer purchases a physical quantity of electricity thatis generated by off-site renewable energy plants and delivered through the public grid.
9Feed-in tariff (FIT) schemes provide a long-term fixed, above-market price for those producing renewable energy. Feed-in premium (FIP)
schemes involve paying those producing renewable energy an additional amount on top of the wholesale price.

22

Session 3: Climate Change Adaptation and Water
Session Chair:
OKI Taikan
Senior Vice-Rector, UNU / Assistant Secretary-General, UN
Speakers:
NAKAKITA Eiichi
Professor, Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University
Thomas PANELLA
Chief, Water Sector Group, Asian Development Bank (ADB)
TAKEMURA Kotaro
Secretary General and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Japan Water ForumHIRABAYASHI Yukiko
Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Shibaura Institute of Technology

Scientific knowledge and predictions on climate risks● In recent years, climate-related disasters have become more severe and widespread. In addition
to meteorological hazards caused by extreme weather, there are concerns about other adverse
impacts of climate change such as sea level rise and droughts. Immediate implementation ofadaptation measures is warranted.
● Given our globalised socioeconomic system, in addition to domestic climate-related disasters, it
should also be widely recognised that loss and damage in foreign countries indirectly influence
our society and economy through the supply chain.
● While scientific research is underway for the better assessment of climate change and its impacts,
which could be used for the formulation of adaptation measures, we must pay attention to thechanges in and speed of climate risks.
● There are uncertainties in predictions of climate change and its impacts. However, for “no-regret
adaptation”, we should apply the precautionary principle, and the lack of scientific evidence orinformation should not be reasons for inaction. Action without delay is imperative.
Promotion of effective, climate-conscious disaster risk management● In responding to various water risks, we first need to holistically understand the mechanism ofglobal hydrological cycles, and scientifically assess the future climate change impacts in eachregion. We should then make and implement medium- to long-term adaptation plans that include
both hard and soft measures.
● While bottom-up approaches based on local realities are essential, at the national level, it isalso necessary to enhance cooperation among relevant government agencies and promotecollaboration with both the academic and DRR communities.
● In response to climate-related disasters that exceed current estimates, we should promote allkinds of efforts, including national land and infrastructure development, land-use planning(zoning), evacuation, relocation, and social change, while promoting further public awarenessraising, bearing in mind that climate change could threaten human lives. In so doing, we must
give due consideration to “indigenous knowledge," "green infrastructure," "Ecosystem-based23

Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR) and “Adaptive Recovery”.
● Adaptation should also include efforts to minimise damage during and after disasters, andwe should promote measures that comprehensively cover various short- to long-term efforts,
including crisis management mechanisms that respond promptly to emergencies.
● As climate change is closely related to various social, economic and environmental issues,
more comprehensive and integrated approaches should be explored to address these issues
simultaneously.

Climate-conscious international cooperation to address climate-related disasters● Given that current investments in adaptation are estimated to lead to significant benefits in the
future, it is necessary to accelerate investments and promote adaptation measures, including
improvements in governance.
● The impacts of floods and droughts are likely to become more serious in developing countries,
particularly in vulnerable communities. Developed countries that rely on developing countries
through supply chains will also be directly and indirectly impacted. Because of this, the sharingof scientific knowledge and practices on adaptation measures at the global scale is indispensablefor effective adaptation. Moreover, designing a sustainable society will also make adaptation toclimate change easier to achieve and more effective.
● As there are physical, social, economic, and cultural limits to adaptation, all countries must work
toward mitigation measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
● Mitigation and adaptation make up the two core elements in climate change countermeasures.
Mitigation measures are gaining momentum to move forward toward achieving net-zerosocieties, and adaptation measures must also be further accelerated through regional and global
partnerships.

24Session 4: Promotion of Circular Economy and Countermeasures for Marine Plastic
LitterSession Chair:
MORIGUCHI Yuichi
Vice President, National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), Japan / Professor, Department
of Urban Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, the University of Tokyo
Speakers:
Keith ALVERSON
Director, UNEP International Environmental Technology Centre (IETC)
KATSURAGAWA Takahiro
Mayor of Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture
Paul PERRINIAUX
President, Nihon Michelin Tire Co., Ltd.
ISOBE Atsuhiko
Professor, Research Institute for Applied Mechanics, Kyushu University

Policy development based on the circular economy concept in Japan and overseas● One major driver leading to the development of waste management in Japan was the need for
public sanitation in response to shortages in landfill sites. This led to legislations focusing on
the environmentally sound management of waste in Japan. Moreover, with the perspective ofeffectively using resources, sound circulation of materials and the 3Rs were further developed
through the enactments of the Basic Law for Establishing the Recycling-based Society and theFundamental Plan for Establishing a Sound Material-Cycle Society in the early 2000s. Japan has
been actively demonstrating its leadership in international initiatives on circular economy andresource efficiency in the G20 and G7.
● It is necessary to further consolidate, accumulate, and share scientific knowledge on theenvironmental impact across the entire life cycle of material use. It is important to shift from a
traditional linear economy to a circular economy, which is based on recycling and sustainableconsumption and production. It is also vital to “decouple” economic development andenvironmental impacts.
● To prevent leakages of recyclables and wastes and ensure environmentally sound international
resource circulation, it is essential to design effective domestic waste management and recycling
systems, and strengthen international collaboration.
● The transitions to a circular economy and decarbonised society enhance each other in terms ofrequired changes in social systems and lifestyles as well as concrete actions (for example, actions
against food loss) at the business and local government levels. Decarbonisation and zero plastics
should be based on concrete action plans developed through consensus-building processes among
stakeholders.
● Actions taken by local governments are key for realising a circular economy. Some local
governments have already taken measures such as monitoring the status of river drifted debris,
ambitious voluntary commitments, policy measures to reduce plastic waste, and actions against
food loss. From now on, it is essential to scale up pioneering actions from single “good practices”
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to large-scale implementation. Towards this end, environmental education can be a good trigger
to foster awareness among citizens and consumers that they have power to change visions andbusiness models of local governments and businesses into those that are more sustainable andcircular. In addition, changes in national policies and support should be those that sustain such
local stakeholder collaboration and lead to the expansion of activities beyond a single locality.
● Actions by the private sector are also very important to build a circular business model. It is
important to build a circular loop system through the 3Rs + Renew (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle,
Renew) in order to minimise negative impacts on the environment and society by thoroughly
reducing the amount of resources used, changes in materials used from product design to end-oflife. Moreover, it is necessary to develop an evaluation scheme to incentivise and enhance suchcircular business models.
● Companies should make these efforts relevant to their mission (purposes) and turn these efforts
into circular businesses, keeping in mind the strengthening of their business activities and brand,
as well as characteristics of the local region.

Considering solutions for marine plastics● Scientific knowledge is essential for enhancing actions against plastic pollution. For the plastics
issue, it is necessary to understand the issue from both the economic and social systems and thenatural environmental system, in accordance with the DPSIR (Driving Force, Pressure, State,
Impact, Response) framework.
● The issue should be considered across the entire life cycle of plastics, including their uses,
production, trade and consumption. It is important to identify post-use disposal methods,
collection methods, treatment methods, and pathways to the ocean. This will enable constructive
dialogue between producers and consumers to reconcile the balance between the benefitsof plastic use such as functionality, convenience, and safety, and the need for investment inpromotion of environmentally-friendly product design, environmentally sound management ofused plastics, and pollution prevention. In addition, COVID-19 poses new challenges such asincreases in plastic waste considered to be medical waste. Without concrete actions in the future,a significant increase in marine microplastics is expected. Particularly, as plastics are broken
into smaller pieces and persist in the environment, a better understanding on the impacts of
microplastics on human health and marine and other ecosystems is needed.
● To monitoring plastic leakage into the environment as well as the behaviour of microplastics
in the environment, it is necessary to share standardised observation protocols and establish aninternational framework for continuous monitoring. It is also important to accurately predict
marine plastic pollution through international data centres to integrate and publish observational
data and collaborate with stakeholders at the international level (researchers, policymakers, thebusiness community, and non-profit organisations).
● In order to prevent the generation of marine plastic litter, we need to ensure proper waste
management on land, strengthen river environmental management as a possible pathway ofplastic leaking into the ocean, and create a socioeconomic system that does not generate waste.
In order to achieve this, it is necessary to strengthen and promote the efforts by local entities
including local consumers and retailers, with appropriate support. In particular, it is firstly
required for local governments to set an ambitious vision and work with local businesses and26

citizens. By building on local branding and taking advantage of the benefit of early adoption,
local governments can lead these efforts for local sustainable development and vitality ofcommunities.
● It is essential to have the support of citizens to prompt action from businesses and local
governments. Environmental education for citizens can provide necessary scientific information
for such support. Sharing good practices at the local level can allow such actions to be scaled up.
● Business development that takes resource circularity into consideration is also significantly
important for tackling the marine plastic litter issue. In this sense, necessary incentives should beconsidered to encourage such business initiatives.

Importance of international collaboration● It is important to strengthen policy options through international cooperation, including theapplication of scientific assessment in policies, development of indicators and targets, andexpansion of sustainable products and services. Further international technical support for actions
against plastic pollution is necessary for rapidly developing economies that are considered tobe major sources of marine plastic litter. It is important to promote actions to build and improve
waste management systems and data collection systems, as there are gaps in waste management
systems and the scientific data collection capacity necessary to build such systems in many
developing countries.

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Session 5: Strategic Initiatives for Achieving SDGs: Local Governments, Business andthe Financial Sector
Session Chair:
TAMAKI Rintaro
President, Japan Center for International Finance (JCIF) / Former Deputy Secretary Gereral,
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
Speakers:
TAKEMOTO Kazuhiko
Visiting Professor, UNU-IAS/ Project Professor, the University of Tokyo
KANAI Tsukasa
Executive Manager/ Chief Sustainable Officer, Corporate Planning Department, Sumitomo Mitsui
Trust Bank, Limited
BERNADIA Tjandradewi
Secretary-General, United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific (UCLG-ASPAC)
Jörg RAUPACH-SUMIYA
Professor, International Management, College of Business Administration, Ritsumeikan University

Progress of initiatives towards achieving the SDGs with respect to local governments,
businesses, and the financial sector● In the political declaration at the UN SDG Summit in September 2019, one of the commitments
for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda was “bolstering local actions to accelerate
implementation”. In addition, “Localising the SDGs” was taken up as part of the Prime
Ministerial Dialogue, which shared the importance of local government initiatives and roles, andtheir commitment to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
● A growing number of local governments have been working on the SDGs in spite of a difficult
environment with many challenges. In Japan, emphasis has been placed on regional revitalisation
with the SDGs as the driving force. On this front, various initiatives are being promoted,
including the “SDG Future Cities” programme in which the national government recognises local
governments that are taking advanced approaches, the creation of “Circulating and Ecological
Spheres”, and the "SDGs Finance for Local Revitalization" initiative. Internationally, the Unionof Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) has created a guide and presented a roadmap for the
implementation and achievement of the SDGs in order to promote local government initiatives.
● Businesses are also accelerating their efforts toward the SDGs. Recognising that the realisationof a sustainable society is the foundation of corporate development, they are promoting
management that considers ESG (Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance) as a formof social responsibility. The financial sector has been pursuing its own ESG management and has
also been involved in constructive engagement to promote ESG management amongst companies
that participate in investing and financing.
● ESG finance is growing in both quality and quantity worldwide. In recent years, it is particularly
noteworthy that ESG investments and loans are starting to be used in the pursuit of ‘impacts’
as a signal of concrete developments toward the SDGs and the Paris Agreement. For example,
the Principles for Responsible Banking, launched in September 2019, require that financial
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institutions continuously increase positive impacts while reducing the negative impacts by clientsof their activities, products and services, and set and disclose targets.

Approaches to “Localising the SDGs” and the role of stakeholders● The global COVID-19 pandemic has had significant impacts on economic and social activities
around the world, particularly affecting the poorest and most vulnerable people, regions andcountries. Since the response to the pandemic and efforts to achieve the SDGs share similarities
in terms of risk management and the need for integrated approaches to economic, social, andenvironmental aspects together with digitalisation, the SDGs can be a guiding principle for
economic recovery in the COVID-19 era and beyond.
● An integrated approach may provide co-benefits in multiple sectors and issues and allow
investment funds to be used effectively in the region. For example, the implementation ofrenewable energy systems that utilise local resources can provide is a solution that addresses
multiple priorities. A framework of cross-sectoral initiatives will promote the circulation of local
resources and funds within the region, which contributes to increasing the added value of theregional economy. One example would be an energy management system that involves powering
production, services, transportation, and information technology with an energy supply based onsolar, wind, forests and other biomass. Such initiatives could also facilitate collaboration among
stakeholders such as local governments, local businesses, producers, commerce, and financial
institutions.
● In Germany, for example, about half of the owners of renewable energy supply facilities are
citizens, farmers, and local businesses. Investments and loans from local banks are also used.
● Local governments have an important role to play in the practice of "Localising the SDGs," suchas developing and implementing policies that promote such integrated approaches, creating spacefor collaboration between local stakeholders, and raising awareness.
● Securing funding is key to advancing the “Localising the SDGs” initiative. Important players
in this regard include regional companies, listed companies, regional financial institutions,
global financial institutions, and local governments. Regional companies can promote businessactivities that contribute to the SDGs at the local level. Listed companies can share business
opportunities and knowledge with regional companies through their supply chains. Regional
financial institutions can provide capital and knowledge to regional businesses in collaboration
with local governments and global financial institutions. Global financial institutions can provide
knowledge to regional financial institutions and local governments. Local governments can
support local companies in cooperation with regional financial institutions.
● One vital aspect of facilitating these collaborations is promoting the visibility of ESG information(non-financial information) about local companies. This can provide useful information for
financial institutions to make a decision about the potential of a specific ESG investment toleverage a positive impact on the local community and economy.
Directions for future stakeholder actions● In order to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is necessary to apply the SDGs framework,
make use of the unique characteristics of each region and redesign a new economy, a new society
and new lifestyles. In this regard, actions in coordination with national government policies are29necessary.
● The role of local governments is critical in promotion of the SDGs, but they face many
limitations in terms of finance and human resources. Support is needed to address thesechallenges.
● In this regard, local governments, businesses, the financial sector, and other stakeholders who
are working to achieve a sustainable society at the local level have crucial roles to play. It is
important for each of these actors to not only promote the implementation of the SDGs byplacing them at the centre of their management practices, but also, while taking social common
capital into consideration, build a partnership between diverse stakeholders by sharing a vision ofa sustainable and resilient future for the region and working together to achieve it.
● In accelerating the efforts of stakeholders, it is also important to increase the number ofsuccessful cases of “Localising the SDGs” and to share this knowledge with other regions,
nationally and internationally. The role of central government in this regard is crucial.
● Japan's SDG Future Cities Programme and the Local Government SDGs Model Project are
useful examples in this regard. The SDG Future Cities Programme invites local governments tosubmit proposed local initiatives that contribute to the achievement of the SDGs. After selecting
model cities, the central government cooperates with and supports them in implementing theirinitiatives, formally recognises the initiatives as “advanced SDGs initiatives” and then widely
disseminates information on such successful cases. In addition, a public-private partnershipplatform for SDGs has been established by the central government to provide a mechanism
to promote SDG localisation, including activities jointly carried out by the public and private
sectors, such as information exchange, business-matching, project formation, and seminars/
workshops. Such a multiple framework provides the impetus for regional activities and could bea place to encourage collaboration among different stakeholders crossing countries and regions.
● The role of stakeholders is also being emphasised in the UN and other international organisations,and programmes such as guidance and capacity building are being offered. Ensuring theimplementation and expansion of such efforts will become even more desirable going forward.
● Policies that encourage long-term investments aligned with the SDGs and direct finance flows
for economic activities with positive impacts are necessary. In this regard, carbon pricing is an
important mechanism to send signals to the market in that direction. Information disclosure on
sustainable finance as well as the development of the EU Taxonomy10 and its impacts need to beconsidered carefully.

10

EU Taxonomy: One of the EU's Sustainable Finance Policy Action Plans, and a classification framework for economic activities that
contribute to six environmental objectives (climate change mitigation; climate change adaptation; sustainable use and protection of waterand marine resources; transition to a circular economy; pollution prevention control; and protection and restoration of biodiversity andecosystems). The EU Taxonomy regulates financial market participants who sell environmentally sustainable financial products and applies
to information disclosure from certain financial market participants in EU countries. Classifications for climate mitigation and adaptation
have been formulated so far, and classifications for the other four environmental objectives will be developed in due course. The delegatedacts regarding the first two environmental objectives will be sequentially applied from 2022.

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