Japanese government proposes greenhouse gas emission reduction target of up to 26% by 2030

FILE - In this Feb. 20, 2012 file photo, an oil tanker is moored at an oil loading platform adjacent to an oil refinery in Kawasaki, west of Tokyo. Japan is proposing to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by up to 26 percent by 2030 amid international efforts to set a new framework for addressing climate change. The final draft of the government target, released Thursday, April 30, 2015, says Japan will aim to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 26 percent by 2030 compared to 2013 levels, or 25.4 percent from 2005 levels. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara, File) (The Associated Press)

TOKYO – Japan is proposing to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by up to 26 percent by 2030 amid international efforts to set a new framework for addressing climate change.

The final draft of the government target, released Thursday, says Japan will aim to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 26 percent by 2030 compared to 2013 levels, or 25.4 percent from 2005 levels.

That is below the U.S. target of a 26-28 percent cut by 2025 from 2005 levels, and the European Union's target of 40 percent from 1990 levels.

Critics say Japan's targets are too modest.

The government is to formally endorse the target after reviewing public comments and experts' views.

A new international framework replacing the 1997 Kyoto Protocol is to be discussed at a conference later this year.