Overview:

The Paris Agreement adopted in 2015 provides a global framework for transition to low-carbon and climate-resilient economies. It offers an opportunity to reduce emissions through transformation of economies while boosting development of businesses and creating new jobs. The Agreement invites countries to present long-term greenhouse gas development strategies by 2020 and the European Commission has proposed an EU strategy on November 28, 2018. It outlines a vision for a modern, competitive and climate neutral economy by 2050. At the same time, work is ongoing on a mid-century climate strategy for Japan.

As advanced market economies with developed industrial structures, Japan and the EU face similar opportunities and challenges in decarbonisation. Both want to secure the competitiveness of their industries and stress the role of innovation and uptake of new technologies. Japan will have a unique opportunity to promote climate action during its G20 Presidency.

The seminar will allow Japanese and EU decision makers to present their visions for long term climate policies and to discuss the opportunities and the challenges ahead on decarbonisation of their economies.
Business representatives and experts are invited to give their views in a panel discussion on the business opportunities offered through decarbonisation.

Programme:

14.00 Opening remarks
Ms. Patricia Flor, Ambassador, Delegation of the European Union to Japan

14.05 A Clean Planet for all - A European strategic long term vision for a prosperous, modern, competitive and climate neutral economy
Ms. Megan Richards, Director of Energy Policy, Directorate General for Energy, European Commission
Mr. Tom van Ierland, Head of Strategy & Economic Assessment Unit, Directorate General for Climate Action, European Commission

14.35 Japan's long-term climate policy in the international context
Mr. Kaoru Magosaki, Director, Climate Change Division, International Cooperation Bureau, MoFA

14.50 Background on METI's Long-term Strategy as Growth Strategy
Mr. Daisuke Takayanagi, Director, Global Environmental Affairs Office, Industrial Science and Technology Policy and Environment Bureau, METI

15.05 Progress of Japan's long-term low GHG emission development strategy under the Paris Agreement
Mr. Hiroshi Ono, Deputy Director-General, Ministry of the Environment

15.20 Q&A

15.35 Coffee break

15.55 Roundtable discussion: Tackling the challenge: business opportunities through decarbonisation

Moderator: Mr. Yuji Mizuno, Director of Climate and Energy Area, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES)

Panelists:
• Mr. Daisaku Honda, Vice President, Veolia Janets K.K.

• Mr. Toshihiro Kawakami, Head of EHS Department, LIXIL Corporation/Co-Chair, Japan Climate Leaders' Partnership (Japan-CLP)

• Ms. Michiyo Morisawa, Japan Director, CDP

• Mr. Hirofumi Nakano, General Manager, Corporate Environmental Sustainability Group, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation

• Mr. Teruyuki Ohno, Executive Director, Renewable Energy Foundation

• Prof. Yukari Takamura, Integrated Research System for Sustainability Science (IR3S), The University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced Studies (UTIAS)

17.00 Closing remarks
Dr. Philippe de Taxis du Poët, EU-side General Manager, EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation

17.10 Networking reception