INITIATIVES TO ADDRESS ISSUES RELATED TO THE EARTH: ENDEAVORING TOWARD CARBON NEUTRALITY BY 2050

The average global temperature has already risen by about 1.1°C from preindustrial levels. The Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states that if global warming continues to increase at the current rate and the rise in temperature far exceeds 1.5°C, there will be a significant impact on nature and our activities. This report also points out the need to achieve net zero global carbon emissions by around 2050 in order to limit the temperature rise to 1.5°C. In response to the above forecast, more than 150 countries and regions* have declared their intention to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 or other defined years, with nations around the globe stepping up their measures to design carbon pricing and other mechanisms and invest in the development of energy technologies. As for industry, initiatives have been accelerated to change energy and industrial structures, promote decarbonization throughout the supply chain based on life cycle assessment, and encourage the effective use of decarbonization and low-carbonization technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

*For more information, please refer to FY2022 Annual Report on Energy (Japan’s Energy White Paper 2023) (External link, in Japanese only)

As for the trends regarding vehicles around 2030, Mazda predicts that the fuel economy of vehicles as a whole will be further improved though the combination of highly efficient combustion engines, electric device technologies, high-efficiency transmission systems, and reduced vehicle weight. The Company also foresees technological innovation accelerating in response to fuel diversification. In addition, electric vehicles will be selected more often in regions where electricity can be generated with renewable energy or other cleaner sources. The entire transport sector is responsible for approximately 20% of Japan’s total CO₂emissions, with the automotive industry accounting for about 90% of CO₂ emissions from the sector. The Company understands that, as a company belonging to the automotive industry, it has a duty to reduce CO₂ emissions with the aim of curbing global warming. In order to preserve our beautiful earth for future generations, the Company will advance its initiatives toward the realization of a sustainable mobility society.