[Title] Japan's submission on mitigation (Agenda item 3.2.1 and 3.2.2)

Overarching comments on mitigation

Japan reiterates its willingness to share with all countries the goal of achieving at least 50% reduction of global emissions by 2050, recognizing the 2 degrees global goal as confirmed in the Cancun Agreements.

To achieve these goals, it is necessary to expeditiously adopt a new comprehensive legally-binding document which establishes a fair and effective international framework with participation of all major economies.

Although it seems difficult to promptly realize this ultimate objective, it is important to make a significant progress at Durban to this end, through defining clear steps.

In concrete, following elements are particularly important to be decided at Durban, in relation to mitigation;

- Operationalization of the Cancun Agreements as a basis for post-2012 climate regime and a comprehensive framework

A robust MRV system and newly established mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund, the Adaptation Framework, the Technology Mechanism and new market mechanisms need to be operationalized in a balanced manner, as these mechanisms will serve as a basis for post-2012 climate regime and for a comprehensive framework.

- Mitigation efforts

It is important for all major emitters to steadily implement their pledges without waiting for the establishment of a comprehensive framework.

Launching a process to clarify and update mitigation targets/actions of all major emitters anchored under the Cancun Agreements by using a common template would be a useful and practical step forward.

- Enhanced MRV

In order to ensure transparency of mitigation efforts of all major emitters, the establishment of a robust MRV system is indispensable. Parties should decide the guidelines of the biennial (update) reports and on modalities and procedures of IAR/ICA at COP17, based on which Parties submit the 1st biennial (update) reports in 2013.

- Rule-based mechanism

Discussion on rule-based mechanism in a post-2012 climate regime and in a comprehensive framework should be initiated under the AWG-LCA. In addition to above-mentioned newly establishing mechanisms and robust MRV system, utilizing some elements of the Kyoto Protocol with necessary improvements should be taken into account.

Regarding the issue of accounting rules including market mechanisms, Japan believes accounting rules in post-2012 climate regime and in a comprehensive framework should be applicable to both developed and developing countries and designed to ensure environmental integrity and transparency, as well as flexibility to accommodate each country's circumstances and to maximize mitigation efforts.

- Toward comprehensive framework

Discussion to adopt a new comprehensive legally-binding document should be initiated as soon as possible. With inputs from the biennial (update) reports and IAR/ICA, the Fifth Assessment Report of the IPCC, lessons learned from the 1st commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol and all other available information, the 2013-2015 review process should be conducted so as to make valuable inputs to the discussion.

- Other key drivers for achieving global mitigation

Parties should recognize the importance of technology innovation. Parties should also make progress in transfer and promotion of low carbon technology and establishment and effective use of new market mechanisms. Parties should decide to continue support for developing countries beyond 2012, especially for vulnerable countries such as LDCs, Africa, and SIDS.