Can a nation like Japan—one of the world’s largest carbon emitters—afford to aim low on climate action?

The answer might define not only its environmental legacy but also its economic resilience in a carbon-constrained world.

Earlier this week, Japan unveiled its draft climate strategy, targeting a 60% reduction in emissions by 2035 compared to 2013 levels.

While some hail it as a bold move, critics still argue it falls short of what’s necessary to combat the climate crisis.

Is Japan’s climate strategy truly a game-changer, or is it just a modest step in a race against time?

Let’s unpack the details.