Osaka, Japan – A global push to dramatically reduce reliance on fossil fuels gained momentum Monday as Japan and Brazil unveiled a joint initiative to increase worldwide sustainable fuel usage more than fourfold by 2035.
The ambitious target, announced at the inaugural Ministerial Meeting on Sustainable Fuels in Osaka, comes as nations worldwide grapple with accelerating climate change and seek viable pathways to decarbonization. The initiative aims to spur investment in and adoption of fuels like biofuels and hydrogen, impacting the automotive industry, global energy markets, and international climate negotiations.
More than 30 countries, alongside representatives from key international organizations, participated in the meeting co-chaired by Japan’s industry minister, Muto Yoji. Minister Muto emphasized the necessity of both national efforts and collaborative partnerships – spanning international bodies and the private sector – to successfully expand sustainable fuel adoption.
Discussions centered on strategies to promote decarbonizing fuels, with a particular focus on applications for automobiles, including hybrid vehicles. Participants affirmed the importance of tailoring fuel promotion strategies to individual national contexts.
The proposed goal would see a more than four-times increase in the annual global consumption of sustainable fuels by 2035,directly addressing the need to curtail fossil fuel dependence. This commitment reflects a growing international consensus on the urgency of transitioning to cleaner energy sources.
Outcomes from the Osaka meeting are slated for presentation at the COP30 UN climate change conference, scheduled to be held in Brazil this November, potentially influencing global climate policy and accelerating the transition to a sustainable energy future.
