How is Japan responding to climate change, why does it matter for the UK?

As one of the world’s major industrialised economies and a hub of technology and innovation, Japan is a key player in the fight against climate change. Japan has faced criticism for its slow action on climate change, especially its continued reliance on fossil fuel-fired power stations. Nonetheless, there are growing calls from the environmental movement within Japan for faster climate action, and especially for a fair transition to green jobs for the people and places in Japan whose livelihoods rely on high-emitting industries.

In this event, Dr Leslie Mabon will talk about how fossil fuel and manufacturing industries have shaped Japan’s regions, and about what a just transition to a sustainable society might look like for a country facing an ageing workforce and a shrinking rural population. Leslie will also talk about why Japan’s response to climate change matters for the Asia-Pacific more widely, and what the UK should learn from Japan’s experience in shaping a just transition.

About our expert:

Dr Leslie Mabon is a Lecturer in Environmental Systems in the School of Engineering and Innovation at the Open University. Leslie’s research focuses on how coastal societies, especially those that rely heavily on high-emitting industries, can respond rapidly and fairly to multiple pressures and challenges under a changing climate. Leslie has over a decade of research experience in Japan, and is a former Japan Foundation fellow. Leslie recently led a project on Just Transitions in Japan, which was funded by the British Academy. Dr Mabon is also a member of the Young Academy of Scotland, where he leads the Zero Carbon by 2045 Grand Challenge. Follow Leslie on Twitter @ljmabon, or read about his latest research activity at resilientcoastal.zone

Partner organisation(s): British Academy (project funder)Contact details: Hugo Clarke/Flora Langley (h.clarke@thebritishacademy.ac.uk/f.langley@thebritishacademy.ac.uk)