Keeping Global Temperature Increase Below 2 degrees

Climate change remains one of the biggest challenges of mankind. Securing an ambitious Climate Change Agreement at this year's Conference of the Parties (COP) in Paris is a crucial step for global temperature increase to stay below the 2°C objective.

As global players, both EU and Japan have a responsibility in leading the international cooperation for achieving this legally enforceable international agreement. However, the fight against climate change is also a unique opportunity for business and investors. Innovative products and new technologies help mitigate pollution, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and limit our overall impact on the environment while at the same time creating new markets, job opportunities and growth potential.

As in the previous years, the seminar highlighted the EU and Japan’s views on the results of the latest session of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP20 in Lima) as well as the path and expectations towards COP21 in Paris. The seminar also constituted an opportunity to present an update on domestic preparations for submitting national contributions, such as last October's European Council conclusions on the new 2030 climate and energy package.