Japan‘s financing of liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects globally has raised significant concerns regarding environmental degradation and human rights violations. A recent report by Friends of the Earth (FoE) Japan highlights the detrimental impacts of these investments, particularly through the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), which has allocated $18.6 billion to LNG production since 2016.
Key Takeaways
- Japan is the largest global buyer of LNG, yet demand has decreased by 25% since 2014.
- JBIC’s financing has led to environmental harm and human rights issues in multiple countries.
- The report emphasizes the need for Japan to align its financing practices with its climate commitments.
Overview Of Japan’s LNG Financing
Japan’s LNG financing strategy has come under scrutiny as the country continues to invest heavily in fossil fuels despite a global shift towards renewable energy. The report reveals that JBIC’s funding for LNG projects is more than four times Japan’s contribution to the Green Climate Fund, raising questions about the country’s commitment to sustainable development.
Environmental Impact
The report outlines alarming case studies from nine countries affected by JBIC-funded LNG projects. Key environmental concerns include:
- Marine Biodiversity Threats: In the Verde Island Passage, known as the “Amazon of the Oceans,” JBIC-funded projects have led to significant biodiversity loss, affecting local fishers’ livelihoods.
- Pollution Levels: Studies indicate high levels of pollutants, including heavy metals, in waters near LNG construction sites, raising concerns about marine life and ecosystem health.
- Coral and Fish Populations: Research shows low coral cover and poor fish abundance in areas impacted by LNG projects, particularly in the Philippines and Thailand.
Human Rights Violations
The report also highlights serious human rights concerns associated with JBIC’s financing:
- Indigenous Rights: In Australia and Canada, JBIC-backed projects have failed to secure the free, prior, and informed consent of Indigenous peoples, leading to conflicts over land and resources.
- Economic Disparities: In Bangladesh, LNG-generated electricity costs ten times more than that produced from domestic sources, exacerbating economic inequalities.
Japan’s Commitment To Climate Action
Despite the ongoing financing of fossil fuel projects, Japan has made commitments as part of the G7 to end direct public support for overseas fossil fuel projects. FoE Japan’s campaigner, Hiroki Osada, argues that JBIC’s actions contradict these commitments and calls for a broader ban on all fossil fuel financing, including gas.
Conclusion
As Japan navigates its energy future, the findings of this report serve as a critical reminder of the need for responsible financing practices that prioritize environmental sustainability and human rights. With upcoming climate summits on the horizon, Japan faces increasing pressure to align its financial strategies with its climate goals and commitments to global biodiversity preservation.
Sources
- Japan’s LNG financing abroad harms biodiversity, human rights: Report – Conservation news, Mongabay – Conservation News.