Photo/Illutration Economy minister Yasutoshi Nishimura speaks at a news conference on Nov. 7. (Aki Fukuyama)

Economy minister Yasutoshi Nishimura expressed displeasure on Dec. 6 over an environmental nongovernmental organization again pegging Japan for its Fossil of the Day award.

The Climate Action Network (CAN) gives out the award to nations not doing their part to combat global warming.

During the Dec. 6 session of the Lower House Economy, Trade and Industry Committee, lawmaker Takashi Shinohara raised the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) being held in Dubai.

“It is quite embarrassing that Japan is a regular recipient of the Fossil of the Day award,” said Shinohara of the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan.

Nishimura replied, “Problems would arise in the stable supply of electric power if we were to immediately and drastically reduce coal-fired thermal power generation.”

He said those giving out the award also did not understand the new technology Japan is pushing.

“Through innovation, we want to secure a stable supply of electric power while moving away from carbon emissions and creating economic growth,” he said.

On Dec. 3, CAN awarded the dubious honor to Japan, New Zealand and the United States.

Japan was called out for promoting the reduction of emissions from thermal power generation through a method in which ammonia and hydrogen are mixed with coal or gas to generate electricity.

CAN certified the measure as a sham environmental “greenwashing.”

On Dec. 5, Japan was again given the award for not coming out with a clear plan to reduce coal-fired thermal power generation.

Speaking at COP28 on Dec. 1, Prime Minster Fumio Kishida said each nation should be allowed to choose its own path toward the common goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

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