With the recent sobering news that not only is the trend in the Arctic indicating that climate change is happening more quickly than models have indicated, but also that permafrost in the region contains significantly more greenhouse gases just waiting to be released as the region warms, it’s good to hear that at least one nation is increasing its efforts to get its own carbon emissions under a semblance of control.

27% Budgetary Increase For Climate Change Mitigation
Earlier this week, Japan announced that it will spend $4 billion in the next fiscal year on efforts to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. This would be a 27% increase in monies spend to combat climate change, Blooomberg reports. In June, Japan’s prime minister pledged that the nation would reduce its carbon emissions by 60-80% from current levels by 2050.

42% Increase in Spending on Nuclear Power
According to Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, measures to reduce emissions will include: Development of advanced nuclear power plants, electric vehicles, as carbon capture and storage systems. Nearly $83 million has been earmarked to develop nuclear power (a 42% budgetary increase).

Solar Subsidies Set to Return
In addition to these measures, Greentech Media reports that Japan intends to reintroduce subsidies for solar power. These incentives would provide nearly $217 million to assist families and businesses install solar power systems. Solar power subsidies were in place in Japan from 1994-2005.

So, the gist of it: Good on Japan. I’d argue that this level of emission reduction probably needs to take place more quickly than 2050, but their head is in the right place here.

via ::Bloomberg and ::Greentech Media