Despite pledging to halt fossil fuel funding at the 2022 G7 summit, Japan has continued pouring billions into LNG projects, prompting accusations of greenwashing and undermining its climate leadership in Asia.
Japan has invested $93 billion in oil and gas projects between 2013 and 2024—$56 billion of which funded overseas liquefied natural gas (LNG) development—according to a new report by Solutions for Our Climate (SFOC). This figure starkly contrasts with the $24.5 billion Tokyo allocated for clean energy during the same period.
The investments raise questions about Japan’s climate commitments, especially following its 2022 G7 pledge to end public financing for fossil fuels. Critics argue the country is exploiting loopholes to continue supporting gas infrastructure under the guise of energy security and carbon capture technologies.
"Japan's international influence in energy financing is enormous," said Walter James, an energy policy consultant. "It spans the entire fossil fuel supply chain." The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) reports that Japan has shifted from being a major LNG consumer to a reseller, with Australian LNG topping its re-export supply.
Japan justifies its LNG push by framing it as a “transitional fuel” for partner countries in the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC), a regional initiative launched after the G7 pledge. AZEC, which includes nations such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam, focuses heavily on natural gas, ammonia, and carbon capture despite being billed as a net-zero initiative.
Environmental experts have expressed concern. Hiroki Osaka of Friends of the Earth Japan said the government’s tactics are “a form of greenwashing,” pointing out that projects deemed “abated” through carbon capture or essential for diplomacy are exempt from the G7 commitment.
Meanwhile, critics warn that Japan’s actions are locking countries like Indonesia into long-term fossil fuel use. Despite its vast renewable potential, Indonesia continues to expand LNG infrastructure, with a $1.5 billion project announced in March.
“Japan should skip gas and invest directly in renewables,” said Wicaksono Gitawon of CERAH, an Indonesian energy NGO. “More LNG means another infrastructure lock-in, and that stalls the energy transition.”
As Japan prepares for the third AZEC summit in Malaysia this September, its dual role as a green energy advocate and fossil fuel financier remains under increasing international scrutiny.
Israel is reportedly pressuring the United States to use its most powerful non-nuclear weapon—the GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP)—in a strike against Iran’s heavily fortified Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, as tensions mount in the Middle East.
More than 2 million Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons have returned to their homes since December, according to the UN refugee agency, which emphasized the urgent need for a political resolution to prevent renewed instability.
As the massive pink-hulled container ship ONE Modern pulls into the Port of Hong Kong, its crew rushes to offload more than 700 containers within a tight 10-hour window.
North Korea on Thursday marked the first anniversary of its defence pact with Russia, praising the “absolute solidity” of the alliance and defending its military involvement in the war in Ukraine, despite international condemnation.
The U.S. military has repositioned aircraft and naval vessels from key Middle East installations to safeguard personnel and assets amid rising tensions with Iran, two U.S. officials said on Wednesday.
Israel is reportedly pressuring the United States to use its most powerful non-nuclear weapon—the GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP)—in a strike against Iran’s heavily fortified Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, as tensions mount in the Middle East.
More than 2 million Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons have returned to their homes since December, according to the UN refugee agency, which emphasized the urgent need for a political resolution to prevent renewed instability.
As the massive pink-hulled container ship ONE Modern pulls into the Port of Hong Kong, its crew rushes to offload more than 700 containers within a tight 10-hour window.
Uzbekistan’s economic performance has remained strong, with robust growth, narrowing consolidated fiscal and current account deficits, and ample international reserves, stated the International Monetary Fund following to the 2025 Article IV Consultation with the Republic of Uzbekistan.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has launched its Youth in Business programme in Türkiye, building on its success in 12 other countries. The initiative aims to mobilise up to €250 million in financing to support young entrepreneurs under 35.
Peace is no longer a dream. It is a discussion. On the streets of Baku and Yerevan, it is also a question, of trust, of foreign interests, and of who truly wants it.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has cancelled certain flights scheduled for 13th and 14th June amid recent escalation of situation in the Middle East and the closure of airspace in several countries for security reasons.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 17th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Egypt’s first integrated solar and battery storage plant will deliver dispatchable clean energy, enhance grid stability and manage peak demand. The project is expected to generate approximately 3,000 GWh of clean energy and avoid up to 1.4 million metric tonnes of emissions per year.
UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon Rachel Reeves, has announced a record £2.5 billion in additional funding this week to advance the development of the world’s first fusion power plant.
A historic May heat wave pushed Greenland’s ice melt to 17 times its average rate and sent Iceland’s temperatures soaring to record-breaking highs, raising urgent alarms about Arctic climate vulnerability.
Climate change could slash over 5% from Italy’s GDP by 2050 if no action is taken, according to the national budget watchdog, highlighting the urgent need for global emissions cuts.
At least seven people have died and several schoolchildren are missing after heavy rain and snow triggered flooding in South Africa’s Eastern Cape and southern regions, officials said Tuesday.
Israel is reportedly pressuring the United States to use its most powerful non-nuclear weapon—the GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP)—in a strike against Iran’s heavily fortified Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, as tensions mount in the Middle East.
More than 2 million Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons have returned to their homes since December, according to the UN refugee agency, which emphasized the urgent need for a political resolution to prevent renewed instability.
As the massive pink-hulled container ship ONE Modern pulls into the Port of Hong Kong, its crew rushes to offload more than 700 containers within a tight 10-hour window.
Uzbekistan’s economic performance has remained strong, with robust growth, narrowing consolidated fiscal and current account deficits, and ample international reserves, stated the International Monetary Fund following to the 2025 Article IV Consultation with the Republic of Uzbekistan.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has launched its Youth in Business programme in Türkiye, building on its success in 12 other countries. The initiative aims to mobilise up to €250 million in financing to support young entrepreneurs under 35.
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