The Future of Earth and Biodiversity Week
Tackling climate change
Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition
The programme, together with the General Sponsors, explores: 'In 2025, with worsening climate change, what agendas should we now consider?'
Discussion
- Others
| Transmission of simultaneous interpretation | Provided |
|---|---|
| Language of interpretation | Japanese and English |
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Agenda2025
Organised Programme
- Time and
Date of
the event -
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2025.09.19[Fri]
17:00 ～ 19:00
(Venue Open 16:30)
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- Venue
- Theme Weeks Studio
Programme details
Climate change is creating an accelerating challenge for the future of the earth and biodiversity. Actions to tackle climate change must also accelerate to address this challenge. This session will discuss the complexity and difficulty of tackling climate change. However, it will also point to new and potentially powerful solutions that come from leveraging our natural and economic systems. This session will highlight the use of nature and technology in tackling climate change and the synergies and tradeoffs that come from development. It will also touch on the complexity of the economics of the energy transition and the need for global financial collaboration, business innovation, and the need for products to allow consumers to take action.
Reports
【Program Summary】
Held during The Future of Earth and Biodiversity Week, this session titled “Tackling Climate Change” presented challenges and prospects for climate action from diverse perspectives, including finance, technology, international cooperation, community-based initiatives, and consumer behavior. The speakers shared a common view that climate action should not be perceived as a limitation but as a new opportunity for growth, and reaffirmed the importance of accelerating efforts to hand down a sustainable society to future generations. Participants emphasized that EXPO2025 must serve as a catalyst for concrete global action.
【Speaker Summary: Gates Moss】
Dr. Gates Moss began by framing climate change as 'one of humanity’s greatest challenges,' emphasizing both the gravity of the problem and the opportunities for growth it presents. He argued that climate action must be approached through the dual lenses of risk management and value creation, as it will decisively shape the future of business and policy.
He described the complex, interconnected impacts of climate change—not only the rise in extreme weather and threats to agriculture, but also cascading risks to financial systems and supply chains. He pointed out that while carbon dioxide is the focus of most policies, other potent greenhouse gases such as methane and nitrous oxide remain insufficiently addressed. Comprehensive reduction strategies, therefore, must extend beyond CO₂.
Dr. Moss highlighted the potential of nature-based solutions, including regenerative agriculture, forest and wetland conservation, and sustainable marine resource use, which integrate nature’s restorative power into economic systems. He stressed that soil carbon sequestration and improved land management can yield 'dual value' by enhancing both food security and emissions reduction.
He also focused on the crucial role of the private sector. Global finance and large corporations are already transforming their operations under decarbonization imperatives. 'Transition finance,' he explained, enables a pragmatic pathway—supporting near-term reliance on fossil fuels while steering capital toward renewables and new technologies over time. This requires strong transparency and standardized international disclosure frameworks to maintain trust.
Moss concluded that while climate change is a global issue, its impacts differ by region. Balancing universality and diversity is essential—advanced economies can deploy capital and technology, but developing countries must prioritize adaptation. Equitable cooperation, technology transfer, and capacity building are vital to overcoming global inequality and maintaining stability.
【Speaker Summary: Tomohiro Ishikawa】
Ishikawa discussed the role of finance in climate response, describing financial institutions as 'the compass that guides the direction of sustainable development.' Since the Paris Agreement, capital flows have steadily shifted toward decarbonization, but industries that still depend on fossil fuels require transition finance to move forward without disruption.
He identified two major challenges. First, climate risks unfold over decades—beyond the time horizon of traditional financial analysis—making long-term uncertainty difficult to quantify. Second, the lack of uniform international standards for regulation and disclosure hinders comparability. Frameworks such as TCFD and ISSB, he noted, are essential to strengthen market transparency and trust.
Finance must act as a bridge, Ishikawa argued—balancing the urgency of decarbonization with economic realism. Overly rigid policies could destabilize industries, while delayed action would amplify risks. Financial institutions must therefore chart a pragmatic yet ambitious path forward.
MUFG has declared its commitment to achieving net zero by 2050 and is managing the emissions of its entire investment and lending portfolio while engaging in ongoing dialogue with client companies to support their transition efforts. As part of this initiative, the bank has introduced new financing schemes such as “sustainability-linked loans,” which evaluate companies’ emission reduction plans and adjust interest rates or lending conditions based on their progress toward achieving those goals.
Concluding, Ishikawa emphasized that finance carries a responsibility to future generations. By channeling capital toward sustainability, financial systems can drive economic growth while enhancing resilience and long-term competitiveness.
【Speaker Summary: Noriaki Oba】
Oba addressed the realities and challenges of energy transition in Asia. He stressed that “climate action cannot proceed on ideals alone,” noting that many Asian nations remain heavily dependent on coal and oil. With rapid economic growth and surging energy demand, a sudden phaseout of fossil fuels is impractical; instead, realistic “bridge solutions” are required during the transition.
He cited technologies such as ammonia co-firing in coal plants and hydrogen introduction as practical transitional measures that reduce emissions while utilizing existing infrastructure. Japan, he noted, is at the forefront of these innovations and can accelerate Asia’s energy transition through technology sharing and collaboration.
Oba underscored the importance of balance in energy policy. Expanding renewable energy is vital, but stability and affordability must not be compromised. Because solar and wind are intermittent, hybrid systems combining thermal generation, storage technologies, and renewables are essential.
He also argued that one-size-fits-all approaches are ineffective—each country’s policies must reflect its economic structure and resource context. For developing nations, reconciling decarbonization with economic growth is the central challenge, making international cooperation in finance and technology indispensable.
【Speaker Summary: Professor Ricardo Hausmann】
Speaking online, Professor Hausmann examined climate action through the lens of international political economy. He identified a “double inequality” in the climate crisis: advanced economies bear historical responsibility for emissions, while developing countries suffer the most severe impacts. Addressing this imbalance requires a framework that integrates equity and sustainability.
Hausmann proposed the concept of “green value chains,” which minimize emissions throughout a product’s entire lifecycle. He pointed out that while developed-country corporations are decarbonizing, production in developing countries often remains carbon-intensive—highlighting the need to decarbonize global supply chains.
To achieve this, he called for investment and technology-transfer mechanisms enabling developing nations to pursue growth and decarbonization simultaneously.
Hausmann urged a paradigm shift: viewing climate action as a growth strategy. Renewable energy, new materials, and energy-efficiency technologies are not costs but engines of innovation and job creation. For developing countries, decarbonization is also an opportunity for economic diversification and long-term competitiveness.
He also underscored the importance of green finance and carbon pricing. By mobilizing public and private funds to support transitions in developing economies—and by internalizing carbon costs through market mechanisms—climate action can align environmental and economic benefits.
【Speaker Summary: Misa Kemmiya】
Drawing on her international experience, Kemmiya discussed adaptation and human security as central dimensions of climate response. Recalling her time with JICA, she described firsthand how extreme weather events—floods, droughts—devastate livelihoods, fuel poverty, migration, and health crises in vulnerable regions. Mitigation alone is insufficient; adaptation must be strengthened to safeguard people’s quality of life.
Examples include resilient urban infrastructure, early-warning systems, drought-resistant crops, and improved water management. In developing countries, small-scale, community-led projects can significantly enhance local resilience and maximize the effectiveness of international aid.
She stressed that climate change is not merely an environmental issue but a human security challenge—threatening lives, livelihoods, and dignity. Solutions must therefore be inclusive, engaging local communities and civil society alongside governments and international institutions.
Kemmiya noted that digital technologies can empower adaptation—AI-based forecasting, satellite data, and mobile apps can enable citizens to anticipate and respond to disasters.
From her role in international expositions, she emphasized legacy creation: EXPO2025 and future events like the 2027 Horticultural Expo should not only showcase innovation but also pass on networks, knowledge, and lessons to future generations. Educating youth about climate solutions is vital to building long-term societal resilience.
【Speaker Summary: Dr. Rachel R. Bishop】
Dr. Bishop approached climate action through the dual lenses of consumer behavior and corporate leadership. She began by noting that “consumer choice holds enormous power in shaping sustainability.” Even the most advanced sustainable products cannot succeed without consumer acceptance; hence, affordability, convenience, and environmental value must be balanced.
Drawing from her executive experience, she shared how reducing plastics and promoting recycling faced resistance despite widespread environmental awareness—consumers often prioritize price and convenience. Companies must therefore present sustainable products as attractive, accessible choices.
She emphasized that policy and regulation also play critical roles in shaping markets. Furthermore, corporate sustainability must extend across the entire supply chain—from raw material sourcing to production, logistics, and sales. For multinational corporations, maintaining consistent sustainability standards across diverse regulatory and cultural environments requires transparency and third-party audits.
Bishop underscored the importance of consumer education. Expanding the market for sustainable goods depends not only on corporate innovation but also on fostering awareness and behavioral change. Collaboration among businesses, educators, media, and NGOs is essential to build a society where environmentally responsible choices become the norm.
【Discussion Summary】
The discussion brought together perspectives from finance, energy, international economics, community engagement, and consumer behavior.
There was broad agreement on the importance of transition finance, as emphasized by Ishikawa—finance must not merely restrict investment in high-emission sectors but actively promote renewables and efficiency technologies. Oba added that funds must be tied to tangible implementation at the field level to generate real impact.
Professor Hausmann reiterated the dual inequalities of emissions and impacts between developed and developing nations, calling for financial transfers and technology cooperation to enable equitable growth. Kemmiya stressed that in many developing regions, adaptation is a more immediate priority than mitigation, advocating for community-led projects supported by international finance. Both perspectives reinforced the need for balanced support integrating mitigation and adaptation.
Dr. Bishop emphasized that consumer behavior is a decisive driver of market transformation—sustainable products must be appealing without sacrificing price or convenience. Dr. Moss responded that policy incentives and education must complement corporate efforts to foster a cultural shift in consumption.
Toward the end of the session, participants debated priorities between mitigation and adaptation. Ishikawa and Oba stressed that long-term strategies must center on emissions reduction, while Kemmiya argued that adaptation is essential where climate impacts are already evident. Hausmann proposed a holistic approach, balancing international funding across both fronts.
In conclusion, Dr. Moss summarized that climate action is not a constraint but a new frontier for growth. The session closed with a shared recognition that finance, technology, policy, civil society, and consumers must work in concert to build a sustainable future—and that climate action represents both an intergenerational responsibility and an investment in prosperity.
Cast
Moderator
Dr. Gates Moss
The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) - Partner
Gates is a Partner in BCG’s Climate & Sustainability and Energy practices, where he advises corporate clients on the economics of industrial decarbonization and the energy transition.
Prior to joining BCG, Gates spent 15 years as an institutional investor and portfolio manager, covering sectors such as transport, infrastructure, energy, and heavy industries. During this time, he also launched Australia’s first carbon-neutral equity investment strategy.
He holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Northwestern University.
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Speakers
©2024 Tomohiro Ishikawa
Tomohiro Ishikawa
Chief Regulatory Engagement Officer, MUFG
Tomo Ishikawa is Chief Regulatory Engagement Officer at MUFG. Ishikawa is responsible for orchestrating MUFG’s group-wide advocacy strategy on financial regulatory policies, including prudential requirements and climate change. He oversees recovery/resolution planning for the group, and government relations across the regions.
Prior to joining MUFG, Ishikawa headed the advocacy team at Deutsche Bank AG. Before his tenure at Deutsche Bank, he served as Deputy Director of Prudential Policy Office at the Japan Financial Services Agency (JFSA). Earlier in his career, Ishikawa was an investment banker involved in Capital Markets and M&A at US and European banks.
As part of MUFG’s sustainability/climate change program, Ishikawa serves as a member of the Steering Group of NZBA (Net Zero Banking Alliance). He chairs the “NZBA Transition Finance” working group, which published the “NZBA Transition Finance Guide” in October 2022. Ishikawa serves as a board member of GFMA (Global Financial Markets Association), representing MUFG.
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Noriaki Oba
Post Oil Strategy Institute, President
After completing doctoral coursework at the Graduate School of Science at Kyoto University, Noriaki pursued his career at a technology-focused think tank. He founded the Post–oil Strategy Institute in 2021 and became a prominent voice in advising on Japan’s energy security and industrial strategy in the post-oil era. Noriaki also works as an executive fellow at JDSC (Japan Data Science Consortium Co. Ltd), a visiting researcher at PHP Research Institute, and a Specialist at Chitose Research Institute. He serves as a member of the Clean Energy Strategy Committee for the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan.
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©︎Ricardo Hausmann Headshot
Professor Ricardo Hausmann
Founder and Director of Harvard’s Growth Lab and the Rafik Hariri Professor of the Practice of International Political Economy at Harvard Kennedy School
Ricardo Hausmann is the founder and Director of Harvard’s Growth Lab and the Rafik Hariri Professor of the Practice of International Political Economy at Harvard Kennedy School. Under his leadership, the Growth Lab has grown into one of the most well regarded and influential hubs for research on economic growth and development around the world. Before joining Harvard University, he served as the first Chief Economist of the Inter-American Development Bank (1994-2000), where he created the Research Department. He has served as Minister of Planning of Venezuela (1992-1993) and as a member of the Board of the Central Bank of Venezuela. He also served as Chair of the IMF-World Bank Development Committee. He was Professor of Economics at the Instituto de Estudios Superiores de Administracion (IESA) (1985-1991) in Caracas, where he founded the Center for Public Policy. He holds a Ph.D. in economics from Cornell University.
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Misa Kemmiya
GREEN EXPO Association, Executive Director for Sustainability Management
Kemmiya Misa is Executive Director for Sustainability Management of Green X Expo 2027, which will be held in Yokohama by the Government of Japan. She was seconded from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in April 2025 after stablishing sustainability management in JICA, engaging in climate change, biodiversity and human security. Previously, she worked in JICA Kenya and Philippines office, as well as Department of Public Relations, Dept. of Global Environment etc. in Tokyo.
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Rachel R. Bishop, PhD; NACD.DC
Board Member, Sally Beauty Holdings; former President, Reynolds Consumer Products
Senior executive with experience across U.S. household product and food manufacturing as well as mass retail, Rachel has been responsible for business-building ESG programs in retail as well as consumer packaged goods design and manufacturing. Most recently as President of Tableware at Reynolds Consumer Products (NASDAQ:REYN) she was responsible for leading the company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance(ESG) initiative since the company’s IPO in January 2020, including expanding the product portfolio to includes sustainable choices across all product categories, investing in emissions reduction programs and expanding talent management to access diverse
talent pools at all levels. In her previous roles as Chief Strategy Officer and President, Snacks at TreeHouse Foods (NYSE:THS) as well as GVP Strategy at Walgreens Boots Alliance (NASDAQ: WBA) she led programs to expand access to fresh food
and healthy snacks, as well as supporting GHG reduction programs.
Rachel has served as an independent board member of Sally Beauty Holdings (NYSE:SBH) since 2022. She
began her business career at McKinsey & Company after earning a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering
from Northwestern University. She holds a B.S. in Geophysics and a B.S. in Materials Engineering from Brown
University and was a Leadership Greater Chicago fellow in 2011. Rachel lives in Chicago, Illinois with her family
and is a member of Chicago’s Lurie Children’s Hospital Foundation Board, the Economic Club of Chicago and
The Chicago Network.
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The Future of Earth and Biodiversity Week
Tackling climate change
The programme, together with the General Sponsors, explores: 'In 2025, with worsening climate change, what agendas should we now consider?'
-
2025.09.19[Fri]
17:00～19:00
(Venue Open 16:30)
- Theme Weeks Studio
- * Programme times and content are subject to change. Any changes will be announced on this website and via the ticket booking system.
- * The schedule is subject to change depending on the organiser's circumstances.
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