Various International Approaches to Climate Change Mitigation Outreach Based on the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted by countries under the Paris Agreement, OECC has been proactively engaged in research for planning and implementation, support for the formulation of national laws and regulations, and support for climate change measures among cities. In addition, OECC has been focusing on its support for the establishment of GHG measurement, reporting and verification system (MRV) in response to the growing need for assistance related to national reporting and GHG inventory preparation scheduled for submission in 2024 as stipulated in Article 13 of the Paris Agreement. Furthermore, with regard to the transparency of GHG emissions of businesses in the private sector, OECC is providing support for establishing and operationalizing transparency systems and improving access to Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) investments. In the future, we will also promote efforts to visualize GHG emissions through the supply chain, which involves emissions calculation and reporting (including Scope 3) from the perspective of promoting GHG emission reductions across the world.   Support for the Establishment and Implementation of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Climate Change Master Plan and Verification of Target Achievement OECC has been engaged in capacity-building support for the establishment and implementation of a Climate Change Master Plan for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) of Thailand since 2009. Through a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) technical cooperation project, the BMA was the first to establish and implement a full-scale master plan, resulting in a 24% reduction, far exceeding […]

Role of the OECC in the JCM The Overseas Environmental Cooperation Center, Japan (OECC) has played a central role in the diffusion of the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM), a scheme by which the Japanese government assists the implementation of projects for GHG emission reductions in other countries by private companies etc., right from the initial period (in 2013). Collaborating with governments in the partner countries and Japanese companies, our staffs with expert knowledge and know-how provide support for the introduction of decarbonized infrastructure based on the developmental needs in the partner countries, the overseas expansion of business by Japanese companies, and the development of JCM projects. In addition, the OECC examines market mechanisms tied to the JCM and carbon trading as well as trends in carbon markets, and disseminates the latest information, including that gained through its participation in COP meetings and other forums of international negotiation, through the “Carbon Markets Express“, which is the website of the Ministry of the Environment and managed by the OECC. Furthermore, it also supports the process of inspection of JCM projects and amounts of GHG emission reduction by third party entities (for confirmation of validation and verification). Click here for a PDF showing the OECC’s record of supporting JCM project formation.   Example of approaches: Development of projects for the introduction of amorphous high-efficiency transformers in distribution networks As noted above, the OECC provides support from the project development stage to that of formation as a JCM project. One such example is its […]

International Climate Change Adaptation Arrangements In addition to the 1.5-2.0°C targets, articles 2 and 3 of the Paris Agreement aim to improve capacity to adapt to climate change and make finance flows consistent with a pathway towards low GHG emissions and climate-resilient development. Article 7 also states that the Parties must establish global adaptation goals by enhancing adaptive capacity, strengthening resilience and reducing vulnerability to climate change as a means of addressing the adverse effects of climate change. Parties must also work on adaptation planning and implementation of actions, recognizing the importance and necessity of assistance and international cooperation. Under this international agreement, Overseas Environmental cooperation Center (OECC) is implementing a variety of measures to adapt to climate change in developing countries.   Support for Building Climate Change Adaptation Information Platforms in Developing Countries Climate change adaptation efforts are required to be implemented widely by various actors and in various situations, including central and local governments, private companies, academic institutions, and civil society. Under these circumstances, many developing countries lack information on climate change. This warrants a need for information collection and maintenance. In Thailand and Indonesia, OECC has been providing technical support for the establishment of climate change adaptation information platforms and is working to cooperate with the Asia-Pacific Climate Change Adaptation Information Platform (AP-PLAT) established and operated by the National Institute for Environmental Studies, Japan. Asia-Pacific Climate Change Adaptation Information Platform (AP-PLAT) Website (NIES website)   Capacity Development for Officials of Developing Countries OECC has been organizing and […]

Measures Against Fluorocarbons Emissions to Address Global Climate Change Ozone-depleting substances (ODS) such as Chlorofluorocarbon (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) have a history of use as refrigerants in air conditioners and refrigerators. Under the Montreal Protocol, the production and consumption of these have been regulated and effectively controlled. On the other hand, Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which have been introduced as non-ODS alternatives, are strong GHGs requiring control from the perspective of combating climate change. Overseas Environmental Cooperation Center (OECC) is serving as the secretariat for the Fluorocarbons Initiative on Life Cycle Management (IFL) launched by the Ministry of the Environment, Japan in December 2019. OECC promotes the international dissemination of information on the importance of switching to refrigerants with no or low Global Warming Potential (GWP). This is aimed at preventing leakage when refrigeration and air conditioning equipment are used and to recover, reclaim and destroy refrigerants from equipment earmarked for disposal. In addition, the project provides support to developing countries in Southeast Asia and elsewhere in establishing relevant laws and schemes, formulating technical manuals, and organizing trainings.   Leading the International Community in Disseminating Information on Fluorocarbons and Climate Change Measures In accordance with the Montreal Protocol, ODS’ are under phase-out of production and consumption whilst HFCs – which do not deplete the ozone layer but have a high greenhouse effect – are to be phased down. However, until those regulations are tightened, measures against ODS’ and HFCs on the market (so-called ‘fluorocarbon banks’) are out of the scope of the […]

Nature-based Solutions ： A Solution that Addresses Climate Change and Biodiversity Issues in an Integrated Manner Nature-based Solutions (NbS) is a concept proposed by The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 2009. It is defined as “Actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural or modified ecosystems, that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, simultaneously providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits” (IUCN, 2016). In recent years, the role of NbS has received increased attention and recognition in international discussions related to biodiversity and climate change adaptation, agreeing that climate change and biodiversity should now be addressed as one. OECC is engaged in research and project formation related to nature-based carbon credits such as afforestation, REDD+ and blue carbon (seaweed beds and mangrove plantations), as well as Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR), which is included in the NbS concept.   Study on Mangrove Plantation Project in the Visayas Islands, Philippines In 2022, OECC conducted a study of a mangrove plantation project in the Visayas Islands in the Philippines as part of the Forestry Agency’s work to utilize the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) for forest conservation and afforestation projects in developing countries. This afforestation project has been conducted by Kanepackage, Co., Ltd. since 2009 as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in cooperation with local communities, local governments, and related ministries and agencies. To date, more than 13 million mangrove trees have been planted through this project. OECC is calculating the volume of GHGs absorbed by mangrove plantations, conducting […]