The U.S.-Japan Council (USJC) held its second virtual Bilateral Boardroom on August 31 (U.S.) and September 1 (Japan). Featuring a fireside chat between U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry, and Japan’s Minister of the Environment, KOIZUMI Shinjiro, the event explored U.S.-Japan leadership in addressing the climate crisis. Recorded on August 24, one week prior to Secretary Kerry’s visit to Tokyo, the discussion offered insights on a range of topics pertaining to confronting climate change, from environmental impact to economic and public health implications. USJC President & CEO Suzanne Basalla moderated the event.
As an educational nonprofit, USJC was honored to host this critical dialogue, which aligns with its mission of connecting leaders within the United States and Japan to address issues of mutual concern. John Kerry is the nation’s first Special Presidential Envoy for Climate and the first-ever Principal entirely dedicated to climate change to sit on the National Security Council. KOIZUMI Shinjiro is Japan’s Minister of the Environment, Minister in charge of Climate Change, Minister of State for Nuclear Emergency Preparedness and Member of the House of Representatives (4th term).
Both leaders shared information on government initiatives related to the ongoing climate crisis and emphasized the national and global need for drastic change. Minister Koizumi emphasized that Japan is prioritizing a 46% deduction of greenhouse gas emission from the 2013 level by 2030 and reaching carbon neutrality by 2050. Secretary Kerry explained that investment in renewable energy would improve public health, national security and economic growth. Both leaders also stressed the importance of engaging the next generation of leaders. Secretary Kerry commended the relationship between the United States and Japan, and expressed his hope that the two countries will be able to serve as world leaders in addressing the climate crisis.
The 2021 Bilateral Boardroom is a part of the USJC Signature Series, which engages USJC members and stakeholders virtually by providing expertise and insights on a range of important topics. This fall, the Signature Series will continue with a Members Day in October, the third Bilateral Boardroom in November and a Next Generation Summit in December.
We would also like to recognize our sponsors, whose generosity allows USJC to continue to host mission-driven events like this, with a special thanks to our Platinum sponsors, Deloitte and fabbit. Your support allows us to promote understanding and collaboration between the U.S. and Japan. Click here to view all of our sponsors. If you are interested in becoming one of our generous donors or sponsors, please follow this link.
The recording of this dialogue will be available shortly on the USJC YouTube channel. Please stay tuned.
Click here to read key takeaways of the event from Yasuo Tanabe, Senior Advisor, U.S.-Japan Council; Councilor, The Institute of Energy Economics, Japan; Managing Director, EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation.