Protesters in Pikachu Costumes Urge Japan to End Fossil Fuel Financing at COP30

Protesters dressed as Pokémon characters made a statement at the United Nations climate conference, urging Japan to cease funding coal and natural gas projects in Southeast Asia and other Global South regions. The demonstration, called "Stop Japan's Dirty Energy Plans," coincided with COP30's energy-themed days in Belem, Brazil. Organisers criticised Japan for hindering fossil fuel phase-out efforts in Asia by investing in energy projects.

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The protest featured inflatable Pikachu costumes alongside activists from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), where Japan supports several fossil fuel initiatives. A banner declared, "Don't gas ASEAN." Ian Rivera of the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice led chants like "Only Pokémon, no fossil fuels" and "Sayonara fossil fuels." The Pikachus visited pavilions of India, Indonesia, and Malaysia to highlight Japan's fossil fuel agenda.

Japan's Energy Investments Criticised

Hiroki Osada from Friends of the Earth Japan stated that Japan's investments delay Asia's transition away from fossil fuels. He emphasised the importance of Global South voices at Belem demanding action from Japan. The Japan Bank for International Cooperation provided USD 6.4 billion in loans for coal projects and USD 874 million for gas projects between 2016 and 2024, according to a study by the Centre for Energy, Ecology and Development.

Amiera Sawas from the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative warned that if countries like Japan continue fossil fuel production and export, it will hinder the Global South's energy transition. The Pikachu protest was part of a series of anti-fossil fuel demonstrations at COP30, including a Friday morning event blocking the main entrance and increasing security measures.

Global Efforts to Reduce Fossil Fuels

The global shift away from fossil fuels is a central topic at COP30. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva urged world leaders to create a plan to reduce fossil fuel dependence during the Leaders Summit. Countries like Denmark, the UK, Kenya, France, and Germany supported Lula's call. At COP28 in Dubai, nearly 200 nations agreed to move away from fossil fuels, marking a significant pledge in UN climate talks.

Jasper Inventor of Greenpeace International stressed the need for actionable outcomes at COP30 rather than vague plans. He noted that while progress is visible in Belem, it must lead to a clear strategy to phase out fossil fuels and accelerate renewable energy adoption.

The Japanese delegation at COP30 responded to The Associated Press but did not directly address activists' claims. Instead, officials highlighted Japan's cooperation with Southeast Asian countries to achieve decarbonisation, economic growth, and energy security through various pathways.

On Saturday, major protests are expected at COP30's midpoint. A large march will feature a "funeral for fossil fuels," with giant coffins symbolising coal, oil, and gas carried through Belem's streets.

With inputs from PTI