Japan is the first nation to step forward with a major monetary commitment, since the Climate Conference in Bali resolved the need for developed nations to assist poorer nations in combating global warming.
A Japanese paper reported last week that the nation plans to set aside about US$110 billion over the next five years to help countries such as China and Indonesia cut greenhouse gas emissions.
Top government spokesman, Nobutaka Machimura, confirmed the report, saying an aid program would be launched, but that the details have yet to be worked out.
According to the Nikkei business daily, the aid will promote the use of alternative energy sources and ease the effects of disasters caused by global warming.
The paper reported that Japan would seek to help improve the efficiency of China’s aging coal-fired power plants. In addition, funds would be used to help developing countries use meteorological data to prevent unnecessary losses from weather-related events.
Reportedly Japan is expected to formally agree to provide Indonesia with aid in March, and has plans to assist Tuvalu as well, a low-lying Pacific country that has already suffered from rising seas an storm surges associated with climate change.
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