**Japan’s next leader has promised a big cut in greenhouse gas emissions, saying he will aim for a 25% reduction by 2020 compared to 1990 levels.**Yukio Hatoyama is due to take over as prime minister on 16 September, after a resounding election victory in August.
His announcement is part of his Democratic Party’s assertive policy on green issues. His predecessor, Taro Aso, had pledged cuts of only 8%.
Japan will present its new target at December’s climate talks in Copenhagen.
Mid-term goal
Japan is the world’s second-largest economy and fifth-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, which are a major contributor to global warming.
“As a mid-term goal, we aim at a 25% reduction by 2020 from 1990, based on the levels demanded by science to stop global warming,” said Mr Hatoyama.
Speaking at a Tokyo conference on climate change, Mr Hatoyama said his target was premised on ambitious goals being agreed by other major nations.
But the plans have already sparked resistance from business groups in Japan.
Parts of the automotive industry are expected to lobby against the tough emissions targets.