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A fact sheet detailing a JPY 3bn green bond issued by Daiki Axis Co, Ltd on February 28, 2020, to finance solar and small-scale wind power projects in Japan.

A joint statement from the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and ClientEarth addressed to the European Commission, arguing that the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) is an obstacle to the EU's climate goals and requires fundamental redesign rather than cosmetic modernisation.

Asahi Holdings issued a JPY5bn (USD46.085mn) green bond on March 31, 2020, marking the first such issuance in Japan's non-ferrous metal industry. The proceeds are dedicated to upgrading waste incinerators and building power generation facilities at the Kitakyushu, Taniyama Rinkai, and Hibiki plants to improve energy efficiency and pollution control.

This briefing by Global Energy Monitor argues that Japan's policy of financing 'best available technology' for overseas coal power is outdated and counterproductive. It contends that ultra-supercritical plants still emit too much carbon to meet Paris Agreement goals, that Japan's absence would not prevent the use of inferior technologies, and that these investments pose significant financial and environmental risks.

This research paper quantifies the potential 2030 impact of greenhouse gas emission reduction commitments made by non-state and subnational actors (NSAs)—including regions, cities, and businesses—within ten major emitting economies.

The World Resources Institute criticizes Japan's updated nationally determined contribution (NDC), stating it fails to increase ambition from the 2015 target and ignores significant economic opportunities and climate risks.

This fact sheet details a USD 1.8 million green bond issued by West Holdings Corporation on March 25, 2020, to refinance construction funds for two photovoltaic power plants.

This fact sheet details a JPY 5 billion green bond issued by Mitsui-Soko on March 10, 2020, to fund the construction of the Kanto P&M Center II, which aims for CASBEE certification.

Tohoku Electric Power Company issued a JPY5bn (USD45.4m) green bond on February 27, 2020, to refinance onshore wind, offshore wind, and geothermal energy projects. Certified under Climate Bonds Standard v2.1, it is the first power utility in Japan to receive such certification.

A fact sheet detailing a JPY 2 billion green loan issued by Dream Private REIT on January 31, 2020, used to refinance the DPR Hiratsuka Logistics Center, which holds a 5-star BELS certification.

This briefing by the Climate Bonds Initiative examines the role of green bonds and labelled loans in financing waste management and the circular economy. It highlights a significant investment gap, particularly in plastic waste management in Southeast Asia, and analyzes the market activity of corporate and municipal issuers globally, with a detailed focus on Japan's leadership in resource efficiency.

The 2020 Global Electricity Review by Ember analyzes global electricity generation changes in 2019, highlighting a record 3% fall in global coal-fired generation and a corresponding 2% drop in power sector CO2 emissions. While the EU and US saw significant coal collapses, China's coal generation rose, making it responsible for over half of global coal generation for the first time. Wind and solar generation grew by 15%, though the report notes that this growth rate is slowing and may be insufficient to meet Paris Agreement goals without concerted global effort.

The 2020 report by Global Energy Monitor indicates a general global decline in the coal power pipeline, with construction starts and pre-construction development falling significantly since 2015. However, the global coal fleet grew in 2019 by 34.1 GW, primarily due to a surge of plants entering operation in China. Conversely, the OECD, US, and EU saw continued declines in capacity and generation. Despite these trends, the report notes that current reductions are insufficient to meet the Paris Agreement's goal of reducing coal use by 80% by 2030.

Boom & Bust 2020 is a report by Global Energy Monitor and partners analyzing global coal-fired power plant development in 2019. It details a general decline in the pipeline for new coal capacity, driven by financial restrictions and climate commitments, though this trend is countered by significant new capacity coming online in China.

The 'Boom and Bust 2020' report by Global Energy Monitor and partners analyzes global coal power plant trends in 2019. It highlights a general decline in new coal project proposals and construction, though China remains a significant outlier with continued capacity increases. The report emphasizes the growing gap between current trends and the IPCC's requirement to reduce coal power by 80% by 2030 to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

This report by Global Energy Monitor and partners analyzes global coal-fired power plant trends in 2019, noting a general decline in new project planning and construction, contrasted by a net increase in global capacity driven primarily by China.

The 2019 Global Coal Plant Tracker report reveals a contradictory trend: while the global pipeline for new coal plants has shrunk by two-thirds since 2015 and generation fell by 3% in 2019, net global capacity actually increased by 34.1 GW due to a surge of new plants in China. Western commercial banks have largely ceased direct financing for coal, but Chinese state banks and Indian state-owned finance corporations continue to provide significant funding. The report emphasizes that current trends are insufficient to meet the IPCC's goal of an 80% reduction in coal use by 2030 to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

This report by Global Energy Monitor, Sierra Club, Greenpeace, and CREA analyzes global coal power plant trends in 2019. It highlights a general decline in new coal development and operational capacity globally, though this trend is heavily skewed by China, which continued to increase its capacity. The report details the financial pressures on the coal industry, the role of public funding, and regional shifts in Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the OECD.

This fact sheet details a JPY 10 billion green bond issued by Kajima Corporation on February 28, 2020, to refinance the construction of two specific buildings in Japan.

A fact sheet detailing a JPY 10 billion green bond issued by Tokyu Fudosan Holdings Corp on January 23, 2020, to refinance green buildings and renewable energy facilities in Japan.