Friday 2 May 2014

UK and Japan to work together on climate change

The UK and Japan have agreed to collaborate in the areas of energy efficiency, nuclear and renewable energy as well as co-operate in tackling climate change.

Both the countries reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring security of supply and reducing carbon emissions during the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s two-day visit to the UK.

In a joint statement, the two nations said they wish to promote mutual co-operation both in the public and private sectors and recognise the importance of investing in a diverse, efficient and clean energy mix.

They also aim to maximise opportunities for UK-Japan commercial partnerships in low carbon goods and services – a sector worth around $5 trillion (£3tn) globally.

The UK and Japan will also work closely on the decommissioning of nuclear waste and the UK will continue to provide technological and strategic expertise to support work dealing with the challenges at Fukushima Daiichi.

Energy Secretary Ed Davey said: “The UK and Japan both recognise the importance of investing in a diverse and clean energy mix in order to ensure a competitive economy, long-term security of supply and avoid dangerous climate change.

“I hugely value our partnership with Japan and am pleased to continue to work together to secure a global climate change deal in 2015 and support the global transition to a low carbon economy.”