Pathways toward Low Carbon Societies in Asia by 2050 and contributions of Japan to their realization

A side event entitled “Pathways toward Low Carbon Societies in Asia by 2050 and contributions of Japan to their realization” was organized by the Asia- Pacific Integrated Model (AIM) project team to take place at the Japan pavilion as part of UNFCCC COP19/CMP9 on November 13. At the event, Dr. Mikiko Kainuma, a Fellow at the Center for Social and Environmental Systems Research at NIES, presented an overview of the AIM and the potential GHG reductions from 10 key actions toward low carbon societies in Asia, a project conducted under the Environment Research and Technology Development Fund of the Ministry of the Environment, Japan. Subsequently, Dr. Jian Kejun reported on China’s CO₂ emissions scenario towards the two degree global target. Next, Prof. P.R. Shukla of the Indian Institute of Management presented on “Sustainable Low Carbon Pathway for India, focusing on Sustainable Transport”. Dr. Junichi Fujino, a Senior Researcher at the Center for Social and Environmental Systems Research at NIES then introduced low carbon society scenarios with an emphasis on LCS analyses on national and city levels in Asia using the AIM. Finally Dr. Shuzo Nishioka, Secretary General of the International Research Network for Low Carbon Societies (LCS-RNet) based at the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) reported on the lessons learned from the development process for Japan’s low carbon society policies and the role of AIM in the realization of leapfrog development towards low carbon societies in Asia, such that the same mistakes made by developed countries are not repeated when LCS policies are adopted in Asian countries and cities.

During the panel discussion, the roles of low carbon scenario analysis allowing for the characteristics of Asian countries and cities were discussed with the above presenters and the audience taking an active part. As part of the discussions, panelists emphasized that while not easy, the realization of the two degree target is achievable; as well as the necessity to implement actions on both sectoral and cross-sectoral levels at an early stage, and based on the best available scientific knowledge in regards to social, economic, and technical aspects.