Protesters in Pokémon costumes made a splash at the UN climate conference in Belem, Brazil. Their message? Japan needs to stop funding coal and natural gas projects in Southeast Asia and the Global South. This protest coincided with COP30, a key climate event focused on energy issues.
Organizers argue that Japan’s financial support for fossil fuel projects is a major setback for Asia’s transition to cleaner energy. Hiroki Osada from Friends of the Earth Japan highlighted that Japan claims to lead in decarbonization while simultaneously investing in coal and liquefied natural gas projects in countries like Thailand and the Philippines. “It’s important for voices from the Global South to be heard in Belem,” Osada said.
From 2016 to 2024, the Japan Bank for International Cooperation reportedly financed $6.4 billion for coal and $874 million for gas projects, according to a 2025 study by the Center for Energy, Ecology and Development. The bank didn’t respond to requests for comment, but the Japan Delegation at COP30 mentioned their goal of helping Southeast Asia achieve decarbonization and energy security.
The protest featured activists and a pair of inflatable Pikachus. They waved banners with messages like “Don’t gas ASEAN,” drawing attention to Japan’s fossil fuel agenda. Ian Rivera from the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice led chants like “Only Pokémon, no fossil fuels.”
Amiera Sawas from the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative warned that if wealthy nations like Japan maintain their fossil fuel production, it will hinder progress for developing countries striving for cleaner energy solutions.
The urgency around fossil fuels was echoed by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who called for a clear plan to reduce dependence on these fuels. More than 200 countries had agreed at COP28 to phase out fossil fuels, but some experts, like Jasper Inventor from Greenpeace, emphasize that there’s still a long way to go. “We need actionable results, not just plans that lead nowhere,” he stated.
As protests continue, public sentiment is shifting, with social media buzzing about these demonstrations. Many people are increasingly vocal about the need for transparency in climate negotiations and the urgency of transitioning to renewable energy.
In summary, as the pressure mounts on countries like Japan to reassess their energy investments, the global community is keeping a close eye on how these discussions unfold at COP30. The stakes are high, and climate activists are determined to make their voices heard.
For further insights on international climate policies, visit Greenpeace.
