[Title] Statement by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the Plenary Session of the UN Climate Summit 2014

Seven years ago, I announced the concept of a "Cool Earth", and proposed to set a goal of reducing global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50% by the year 2050 as a global target. In addition, last year, I presented a new strategy called "Actions for Cool Earth", for countering global warming. I have been proposing and implementing numerous measures against climate change.

Ladies and Gentlemen, global warming is unequivocal. Let us take action. Today, I will introduce Japan's new actions for thepurpose of achieving a Cool Earth. The following three points are my key concepts: support for developing countries, technological innovation and diffusion, and contribution to the international framework.

First: assistance to developing countries. Japan promised assistance totalingabout 16 billion USD over three years starting from the beginning of last year. We have achieved this target within a year and half. Japan keeps its promises. And today, I pledge to assist human resources development of 14,000 people over the next three years in the area of climate change. In addition, I will launch an "Adaptation Initiative" to support the adaptive capacity of developing countries in a holistic manner.

In July, I visited the Caribbean region for the first time as a Japanese Prime Minister, and strongly felt the need to overcome the vulnerabilities that are particular to small island states. Japan will place importance on providing assistance to island states. One example of this is the region-wide assistance project for the Caribbean region, which was established during my visit. In addition, with regard to disaster risk reduction, which is deeply linked to actions against climate change, Japan will host the Third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in city of Sendai in March next year. I eagerly look forward to your participation at this conference.

Second: technological innovation and diffusion. Innovation is the key to our goal of a 50% reduction of global GHG emissions by 2050. Japan will further promote technological innovation that has brought our country's energy efficiency to the highest level in the world, and will host the first conference of the Innovation for Cool Earth Forum, ICEF, in Tokyo next month as an international forum to assemble the wisdom of businesses and the public and academic sectors together.

In addition, Japan will contribute to the reduction of global GHG emissions by establishing an energy efficiency facilitating hub for global action in Tokyo, as well as by diffusing leading technologies to the international community through steady implementation of the Joint Crediting Mechanism for which 12 countries have already signed bilateral documents. Furthermore, Japan will launch a satellite that will monitor and verify GHG emissions, and mutually utilize its data at the global level.

Last but not the least: contribution to the future international framework. The year 2015 is a turning point for humanity to lead the way to a Cool Earth. We need a framework that is applicable to all Parties. In light of the COP 19 decision, Japan aims to submit its intended nationally determined contribution as early as possible. As for the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Japan is considering the possibility of making an appropriate contribution after the necessary environment, including receiving arrangements of the GCF, is in place.

These are Japan's new actions. By overcoming the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake and the nuclear accident three years ago, Japan, as a model of a low-carbon society, will continue taking actions for a Cool Earth.