Japan is gearing up to host the first-ever summit meeting on a zero carbon emission framework with Australia and nine member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Tokyo this December. Multiple government sources have confirmed this significant initiative, according to a recent report by the Kyodo news agency.
The summit will bring together leaders from Japan, Australia, and the ASEAN nations, with a primary focus on bolstering technical cooperation in the fields of hydrogen and other green technologies. Additionally, discussions will revolve around establishing robust supply chains for crucial minerals, all in pursuit of the common goal of achieving carbon neutrality. It is anticipated that the summit will culminate in the creation of a joint statement, cementing the commitment of these nations to combat climate change.
The genesis of this collaborative effort can be traced back to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's proposal last year – the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC). This visionary concept seeks to propagate the principles of decarbonization throughout Asian nations and foster cooperation to expedite the transition to clean energy sources.
This upcoming summit represents a critical milestone in the AZEC's journey. The inaugural ministerial meeting, held in March, saw Japan making substantial commitments, both financial and technological, to support the cause. As the global community grapples with the challenges posed by climate change, this summit stands as a testament to the shared determination of these nations to usher in a sustainable, carbon-neutral future.
