Sakamoto said that during COP28 the Japanese government would focus on exploring carbon capture, use and storage DUBAI: The Institute of Energy Economics of Japan says that the 28th Conference of the Parties — COP28 — to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change will take place at a crucial point in time. This is because it will include critical discussions on countries’ energy contributions, energy transition pathways and costs, and on enhancing measures to protect the planet from the negative effects of climate change. Speaking to Emirates News Agency, IEEJ Board Member Toshiyuki Sakamoto expressed his confidence in the UAE’s COP28 presidency. He said that COP28 President-Designate Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al-Jaber has the experience necessary to coordinate policies related to environmental conservation and greenhouse gas emissions. Sakamoto said that the continuation of current GHG emission levels hindered the drive to keep temperatures from rising to more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, and COP28 was an important opportunity to discuss this vital topic. The official said that the participation of about 200 countries would ensure that the COP28 talks would cover key issues, including the energy transition, gradual reduction of GHG emissions and the importance of combating deforestation, further adding to the UAE’s track record in supporting COP’s solutions and intended results. Sakamoto said that during COP28 the Japanese government would focus on exploring carbon capture, use and storage, highlighting Japan’s allocation of $140 billion to boost the private sector in its decarbonization efforts by 2050. By 2030, Japan expects to generate 59 percent of its energy from renewable and nuclear sources, with fossil fuels accounting for only 41 percent of the energy mix.