Climate Change Strategy and Emission Reduction Roadmap for China, Japan, and South Korea

Qian, Xuepeng; Ling, Yishu; Zhou, Weisheng

In order to limit the increase in global temperatures to below 2 °C, as outlined in the Paris Agreement, measures to reduce carbon emissions from large emitters in East Asia—China, Japan, and South Korea—have attracted global attention. Differences among the three countries in terms of the environment, economy, and energy mean that each is at a different stage of emission reduction. In this chapter, we take into account environmental, economic, and energy characteristics in China, Japan, and South Korea and assess their emission reduction strategies. While China is simultaneously grappling with poverty eradication, environmental protection, and responding to climate change, Japan and South Korea are combating climate change with leading technologies and high levels of energy efficiency. Although there are many differences among the three countries, all advocate realizing low-carbon societies and achieving sustainable development. Moreover, ensuring energy security, developing low-carbon technologies, cultivating low-carbon industries, and adapting to climate change are challenges faced by all three countries. We analyzed targets and countermeasures for Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC) under the Paris Agreement. In the process of achieving emission reduction targets, the respective efforts of each country are indispensable and contribute to international cooperation.