"Advance in Sustainability" Article Recommendation |The Role of NGOs in Shaping Germany and Japan's Carbon Neutrality Policies—A Path to a Greener Future

In the face of the severe challenges posed by global climate change, carbon neutrality has become a common goal for countries around the world. However, why has Germany set its carbon neutrality goal for 2045, while Japan has set its for 2050? What policy - making logic lies behind this seemingly minor difference? And what key roles have non-governmental organizations (NGOs) played in this race for the future of the planet? 

A latest research finding published in "Advance in Sustainability" by Xinyu Li, a scholar from the Department of International Relations at Yonsei University, South Korea, unlocks this puzzle. The article offers a new perspective on understanding the differences in environmental policies between the two countries by examining the distinct roles of NGOs in the carbon neutrality policy - making processes of Germany and Japan.

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I. Germany: NGOs' Powerful Influence

Germany's ambition to reach carbon neutrality by 2045 is significantly driven by its active NGOs. These organizations, like DUH, Greenpeace, and Germanwatch, have become catalysts for change through legal actions and public campaigns. In 2021, a landmark lawsuit led by nine climate activists, supported by NGOs and figures like Luisa Neubauer and Greta Thunberg, prompted the German Constitutional Court to rule the 2019 Climate Action Law partially unconstitutional. This propelled the government to strengthen its climate policies, accelerating the carbon neutrality timeline and raising the 2030 greenhouse gas reduction target to 65% below 1990 levels.

 II. Japan: A Government-Led Approach

Japan's path to carbon neutrality by 2050 reflects a top-down policy-making model. Announced by Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga in October 2020, the target was swiftly endorsed by the Diet. However, this process saw limited NGO involvement. While Japan is home to numerous environmental organizations such as WWF Japan and Greenpeace Japan, their influence on national policy remains restricted compared to their German counterparts. Japan's policy relies more on government directives and corporate cooperation, with less emphasis on public mobilization and legal challenges.

 III. Cultural and Structural Differences

The divergence in NGOs' influence stems from deep-seated cultural and political differences. In Germany, environmental awareness is deeply ingrained, with high public engagement and strong civic participation in environmental issues. This creates a fertile ground for NGOs to thrive and wield significant influence in policy-making. In contrast, Japan's cultural emphasis on collective harmony and social balance leads to a more restrained role for NGOs. Public participation in environmental matters often follows governmental guidance, resulting in a less vibrant civil society sector in environmental governance.

 IV. NGOs' Critical Role in Climate Governance

The research underscores the indispensable role of NGOs in advancing climate policies. They not only provide expert insights and suggestions but also drive policy changes through public campaigns and legal actions. Germany's experience demonstrates that empowering NGOs can accelerate progress toward carbon neutrality. Their active involvement holds governments accountable and pushes for more ambitious and effective climate policies.

 V. Enhancing NGOs' Impact

Despite the importance of NGOs, their influence is not uniform across countries. Many NGOs face challenges such as funding shortages, limited human resources, and legal restrictions. These obstacles hinder their ability to effectively participate in environmental governance and sustain advocacy efforts. To fully leverage NGOs' potential, governments and societies must create a supportive environment that addresses these challenges, allowing NGOs to flourish and contribute meaningfully to climate action.

 VI. A Global Call to Action

In the face of the global climate crisis, achieving carbon neutrality requires the collective efforts of governments, NGOs, and citizens worldwide. Germany's success story offers valuable lessons on the transformative power of NGOs in shaping environmental policies. By learning from this model and strengthening NGO capacities, nations can enhance their climate governance and move closer to a sustainable future. Let us all join hands to empower NGOs and unlock their potential in the fight against climate change. As Xinyu Li highlights, "NGOs are vital actors in climate governance, and their engagement can lead to more effective and responsive environmental policies."

CarbonNeutrality NGOs ClimatePolicy Germany Japan

The study was published in Advance in Sustainability, Hill Publishing Group

https://www.hillpublisher.com/ArticleDetails/4769  

How to cite this paper

Xinyu Li. (2025). The Role of NGOs in Making National Carbon Neutrality Policy in Germany and Japan. Advance in Sustainability, 5(1), 1-9.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/as.2025.06.001