Japan on Thursday said it will seek to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 46% below 2013 levels by 2030, per the AP and other outlets.
Why it matters: The country is the world's fifth-largest largest carbon dioxide emitter and a major consumer of coal, oil and natural gas.
- The new target under the Paris climate deal replaces a prior goal of a 26% reduction by 2030 and would require significant changes in its energy mix.
- The announcement comes just ahead of the virtual White House climate summit that opens later Thursday where Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is slated to speak .
What they're saying: “Responding to climate change will be a driving force of Japan’s economic growth,” Suga told reporters in Japan, Bloomberg reports.
Yes, but: Pledges under the Paris agreement are non-binding.
What we're watching: Other climate announcements from the many countries taking part in the Thursday-Friday summit.
Go deeper: White House unveils plans for high-profile climate summit
