July 20th, 2021
What is the optimal approach necessary to achieve net-zero emission goals by 2050? : Strategy of the UK and its implication for Japan
As the world's major countries and regions move toward carbon neutrality by 2050, Japan is also required to formulate a strategy for decarbonization, and the United Kingdom, as the host of the COP26 scheduled for November, is a country that is ahead of the curve in balancing climate change measures with economic growth. In this webinar, we invited experts specialized in decarbonization policies in the UK and Japan, and discussed the overview of policies in the two countries as well as issues from the financial perspective, and what should be learned from the UK in order to achieve carbon neutrality in Japan.
In the presentations by the panelists, they introduced government and industry efforts on decarbonization in the UK and Japan, issues to be raised at COP26, and trends in sustainable finance by Japanese banks. During the panel discussion, the panelists actively exchanged opinions on the following topics: (1) the importance of a long-term, concrete policy framework and coordinated response by the government and private sector, (2) the state of energy policies, (3) the importance of providing appropriate incentives to the private sector from a financial perspective, and (4) expectations for further Japan-UK cooperation.
| Date ＆ Time | Tuesday, July 20, 2021, 16:00-17:30 (Tokyo), 8:00-9:30 (UK) |
|---|---|
| Host | IIMA |
| Supported by | The British Embassy Tokyo |
| Event Style | Virtual Event via Zoom |
| Language | English (Simultaneous Japanese translation available) |
| Progress | Lecture and Panel Discussion |
Panelists (in speaking order)
Ken O'Flaherty Presentation Slides
COP26 Regional Ambassador:Asia-Pacific and South Asia
Ken O’Flaherty is the COP26 Regional Ambassador for the Asia-Pacific and South Asia region. He is working closely with governments, business and civil society across the region to boost climate action ahead of the COP26 Leaders’ Summit which will take place in Glasgow in November 2021. Ken has recently returned from a posting as Minister in Rome, and has experience in a number of Foreign Office Departments. He has previously served in the British embassy in Tokyo and Paris as well as the former UK Representation to the European Union. Ken has worked on a wide range of issues from climate change and energy to economic, EU cooperation, security, counter-terrorism and migration issues.
Tania Kumar Presentation Slides
Head of Energy and Climate Change, Confederation of British Industry (CBI)
Tania leads the CBI’s Energy & Climate Change team, supporting policy development and campaigns, on topics including the energy transition, the journey to net-zero and the role of business at COP 26.
She joined the CBI in early 2017 leading on housing infrastructure and transport decarbonisation policy. Her work includes shaping positions on the electrification of road transport, the development of sustainable aviation policy and project managing the CBI’s campaign on the future of commuting.
Most recently, Tania also led the CBI’s covid business policy response including the development and understanding of key government guidance and health policy implications such as the rollout of lockdowns, testing and vaccines.
Prior to the CBI, she was a client executive at Capita Asset Services, specialising in economic analysis and providing debt and investment advice to local authorities across the UK. Tania also holds a Masters in International Public Policy from University College London.
Takashi Hongo Presentation Slides
Senior Fellow, Global Economic & Political Studies Div., Mitsui & Co. Global Strategic Studies Institute
He analyzes policies and markets of climate change mitigation and adaptation, such as low carbon energy, climate finance and emission trading, and adaptation activities.
He is Board of Directors for International Emission Trading Association, member of ICAO CORSIA Task Force (emission unit and low carbon fuel), Expert of liaisons for TC207(Carbon Neutrality), member of science and technology committee for Environment and Energy (Ministry of Education Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology), Technology Evaluation Committee member of NEDO, Lecturer of Dokkyo University.
Amane Yamazaki Presentation Slides
Managing Director, Head of Sustainable Business Division (Social & Environmental Risk Management), MUFG Bank,
Ltd.
He has been serving as Managing Director, Head of Sustainable Business Division (Social & Environmental Risk Management) of MUFG Bank, Ltd. Prior to the current assignment, he has more than 14 years of experiences in risk management and finance arrangement of project finance particularly in power and renewable energy sector. He is also an Advisory Committee member for Environmental and Social Considerations of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). He holds a bachelor’s degree in Science and Technology from Keio University (Tokyo, Japan), a Certified Member Analyst of the Securities Analysts Association of Japan.
Moderator
Hiroshi Watanabe
President, IIMA
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Mr. Watanabe after graduating from the University of Tokyo joined the Ministry of Finance (MOF) in 1972. Before retiring as Vice Minister of Finance for International Affairs in 2007, he occupied various senior positions at the MOF. He later took high positions in Japan Finance Corporation before his appointment as the President of JBIC in 2013. Since October 2016 he has been the President of the IIMA.