Overview

The unprecedented pace of ratifications has made possible the entry into force of Paris Agreement even before the COP 22 held in Marrakech in November 2016. Government, but also the scientific, business and global action communities have all contributed to build an irreversible climate action process. And not a moment too soon: the global climate is warming at an alarming rate and the challenge must be urgently tackled by raising ambition and strengthening cooperation.
This year's seminar on climate policy saw Japanese and EU policy makers to present their vision on how to translate the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) into actionable policies and measures in all sectors of the economy. In this regards, they highlighted some of the most significant components of the recently-adopted or planned legislation.
The ensuing panel discussion offered an opportunity for non-state actors – including business, local government and academics - to debate how to build partnerships and actively engage in climate action, to foster the transition to low-carbon economies and increase economic competitiveness.

Programme

16:15-16:20 Opening remarks by Mr. Francesco FINI, Minister - Deputy Head of Delegation

16:20-16:35 "EU: Preparing to Implement the Paris Agreement"
Speaker: Mr. Jake WERKSMAN, Principal Advisor, DG CLIMA, European Commission

16:35-16:50 "Japan's Global Warming Countermeasures"
Speaker: Mr. Jun TAKASHINA, Deputy Director-General for Technology and Environment, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)

16:50-17:40 Panel Discussion
Moderator: Mr. Yuji MIZUNO, Principal Policy Researcher, Climate and Energy Area Leader, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES)
Panelists (in alphabetical order):
Mr. Toshihiro KAWAKAMI, General Manager, HQ EHS Department, LIXIL Corporation
Ms. Akiko MIURA, Director, Emission Cap and Trade Section, Climate Change & Energy Division, Bureau of Environment, Tokyo Metropolitan Government
Ms Yukari TAKAMURA, Professor of International Law and Environmental Law, Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Nagoya University

Mr. Jun TAKASHINA, Deputy Director-General for Technology and Environment, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)

Mr. Jake WERKSMAN, Principal Advisor, DG CLIMA, European Commission

17:40-17:55 Q&A

17:55-18:00 Closing remarks by Mr. Silviu JORA, General Manager, EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation

18:00-19:00 Networking Reception