"In the current situation achieving the Kyoto protocol indicators is extremely difficult. The government will work out a plan to reach the 6% cuts," Nobutaka Machimura said.
Japan's emissions in 2006 were about 14% above the desired level, with new increases expected over the next few years, so the country will need to introduce strict measures to cut emissions by the scheduled date. The measures it plans to employ by March 2008 include introducing energy-saving technology in construction and appealing to the nation to cut energy consumption.
At the latest G8 summit in Heiligendamm, Germany, in June, ex-premier Shinzo Abe proposed reducing emissions by 50% compared to current figures by 2050.
Environmental issues and the development of a new international mechanism to restrict greenhouse gas emissions to replace the expiring Kyoto protocol, will be key issues on the agenda for the next G8 summit in Hokkaido in 2008.
