On Wednesday, September 30, 2026, the “National Emergency Briefing on Climate and Nature” was held at Nikkei Hall. Modeled on the “National Emergency Briefing on Climate and Nature” held in the United Kingdom in 2025, this was the first event of its kind in Japan.
The briefing aimed to share the latest scientific findings on climate change, nature, health, the circular economy, and other related fields with a broad range of stakeholders, including policymakers, and to discuss the actions needed going forward.
President Saraya delivering the opening declaration of the briefing
Opening remarks by Shintaro Ito, former Minister of the Environment
In the first session, leading Japanese experts, including Professor Takaaki Kajita, Nobel Laureate in Physics, shared scientific insights across a range of fields, including climate change, nature, health, food security, climate security, and energy.
Professor Takaaki Kajita delivering a presentation on “The Importance of Science”
A total of 16 members of the National Diet and two local assembly members attended the event in person
Motohisa Furukawa, member of the House of Representatives, delivering opening remarks at the beginning of the second session
A video message from Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike
In the second session, members of the National Diet engaged in discussions and Q&A sessions with young people and experts. The session featured a lively exchange of views on how to translate scientific knowledge into meaningful social action and policymaking.
A representative of a youth organization sharing their views
Members of the National Diet and experts engaged in a lively discussion
Vice President Takeuchi delivering the closing remarks
The briefing organizers and speakers
The briefing concluded successfully, providing a valuable opportunity for scientists, members of the National Diet, young people, and participants from a wide range of backgrounds to reflect on and engage in dialogue about the challenges posed by climate change and the degradation of nature.
We hope this briefing will serve as a starting point for continued dialogue to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge, society, and policymaking.