Message

Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan

The first decade of the 21st century have been warmer than any preceding period since global temperature records began in 1850 and it is extremely likely that human influence has been the dominant cause of the observed warming, according to the latest IPCC reports. Climate change is a challenge that humanity is facing at this very moment, not in the future.

In 2007, I, as Prime Minister of Japan, proposed a 50% reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Innovation is the key to achieving this ambitious goal and it is essential for governments, businesses, and academia around the world to share their wisdom and closely cooperate with each other.

Based on this concept, I proposed the establishment of a new international conference where the world's leading policy makers, business persons, and researchers can meet and cooperate with each other to address climate change through innovation. This is an unprecedented attempt, an energy- and environment-focused version of the World Economic Forum.

It would be very beneficial if you, who are at the forefront of one of the biggest challenges to humanity, climate change, and are responsible for shaping the future of the earth, would participate in this forum. I hope to see you in Tokyo.

Shinzo Abe
Prime Minister of Japan