### IPCC's Asia Impact Predictions - April 2007 to the 2020s

### IPCC's Asia Impact Predictions - April 2007 to the 2020s

#### 2007: Initial Predictions
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report predicted that climate change would have severe impacts on Asia. By 2050, overuse of fossil fuels could lead to a maximum 30% reduction in grain yields, putting approximately 1.32 billion people at risk of starvation. Water resources could face a 20% annual shortfall, and rising sea levels may affect nearly 200 million coastal residents. These projections highlighted the urgent need for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable resource use.

#### 2010s: Accelerated Efforts
During the 2010s, the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report further clarified the impacts of climate change. It estimated that Asia's economic losses could reach 1.5 trillion dollars annually. In Japan, the Ministry of the Environment developed the "Regional Climate Change Adaptation Plan," advancing flood control and heatwave countermeasures. For instance, Aichi Prefecture aimed to reduce inundation areas by approximately 25%, while Kyoto City implemented energy-saving measures for public facilities, cutting CO₂ emissions by 500,000 tons annually.

Corporate efforts also accelerated. Toyota Motor Corporation sold 13 million hybrid vehicles by 2018, reducing CO₂ emissions by approximately 94 million tons. Additionally, SoftBank Group announced the Asia Super Grid initiative, aiming to supply renewable energy across Asia by 2025.

#### 2020s: Current Conditions and Responses
Entering the 2020s, the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report revealed worsening impacts of climate change. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the average temperature in 2020 was 1.02°C above the average, marking the highest since records began in 1898. In 2021, typhoon-related economic losses in Japan reached approximately 2.5 trillion yen. Agricultural damage included a 5% reduction in rice yields, with severe impacts particularly in the Tohoku region.

Tokyo has set a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% compared to 2000 levels by 2030 and achieved a renewable energy utilization rate of 35% in 2022. Toyota plans to electrify its entire lineup by 2035 and, by 2023, had sold 2.5 million electric vehicles globally. In Jakarta, Indonesia, urban drainage infrastructure reduced flood damage by approximately 30%, while China's Yellow River basin achieved 200,000 hectares of reforestation annually.

#### Future Outlook
Addressing climate change remains urgent, with the IPCC calling for a 50% reduction in CO₂ emissions by 2030. Japan aims to reduce annual CO₂ emissions by 100 million tons by 2035 through renewable energy adoption and electric vehicle proliferation. In addition, Asia plans to restore 5 million hectares of forest annually, contributing to ecosystem conservation. Comprehensive climate action continues to be prioritized as a key to building a sustainable society.