(provisional translation)
19 November 2020
Resolution declaring climate emergency
House of Representatives
National Diet of Japan
The House of Representatives resolves as follows:
In recent years, with global warming as a primary cause, many parts of the globe
have been experiencing record heat waves triggering massive forest fires, while
hurricanes and floods have inflicted unprecedented damage. Japan has also witnessed an
increase in the number of people hospitalized and the death toll from disaster-level heat
causing heatstroke. Japan also suffers serious damage from typhoons and torrential rains
of once-in-decades scale occurring every year.
Considering this situation, the international community has enhanced its efforts
by setting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets under the Paris Agreement.
However, even if countries achieve their nationally determined targets, the amount would
fall far short of the volume of reduction necessary. The global community is facing a
situation which should be described as a climate crisis.
We share with the international community the recognition that the issue of
global warming has already advanced to the state of a climate crisis, going beyond the
scope of climate change. To overcome this crisis, we are determined to put forth a national
effort suitable for an honored member of the international community, aiming at bringing
about a decarbonized society at the earliest possible time by redesigning our economy
and society and drastically strengthening our initiatives. As a first step and as the
collective will of the National Diet, which represents the people of Japan, the House of
Representatives declares a climate emergency.