Japan plans carbon emission cuts

TOKYO - Japan is calling for further efforts to cut carbon emissions by promoting renewable energy-as well as nuclear power despite the 2011 Fukushima reactor meltdowns.

The energy white paper, adopted by Cabinet ministers on Friday, said Japan faces an "urgent task" of reducing carbon emissions produced by utilities that rely heavily on fossil fuels to make up for shortages of cleaner nuclear energy. The call came as Fukushima nuclear reactors are slowly being restarted amid lingering anti-nuclear sentiments since the 2011 crisis.

Japan wants further development of renewable energy and set a target of 22 percent to 24 percent of its energy needs while maintaining nuclear energy at around the same level. It also pledged to reduce carbon emissions by 26 percent from 2013 levels by 2030.