The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released its analysis of global climate conditions and future projections for the five years from 2024 to 2028, based on data from meteorological agencies worldwide on June 5. According to the analysis, the global average annual temperature is expected to rise by 1.1 to 1.9 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels. Notably, there is an 80% chance that at least one year within the next five will see an increase of 1.5 degrees Celsius or more compared to pre-industrial levels, and the probability of exceeding the highest temperature ever recorded in 2023 is analyzed to be 86%.

The WMO is striving to limit global average temperature rise to below 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels, as outlined in the Paris Agreement adopted in 2015. While the WMO has stated that exceeding the annual average temperature of 1.5 degrees Celsius is a temporary phenomenon, the probability of exceeding this threshold within five years is increasing every year. WMO Deputy Secretary-General Barrett expressed concern, stating, "These statistics reflect the reality that we are significantly deviating from the path towards achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement."

UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed a strong sense of urgency in his speech on June 5, saying, "The goal of the Paris Agreement to limit global average temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius is in jeopardy. We need to find an exit from the highway to climate hell." He also emphasized that we must all work to phase out fossil fuels, the cause of rising temperatures, and utilize clean energy sources.

He mentioned that many countries are banning or restricting advertisements for products harmful to human health and stated, "I call for all countries to ban advertising by fossil fuel companies," urging the international community to take bolder steps to curb rising temperatures. He concluded by appealing for collaboration among nations, emphasizing, "No country can solve the 'climate crisis' alone."

Meanwhile, Japanese companies are participating in the Paris Agreement and making various efforts with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. In particular, Toyota Tsusho has established renewable energy strategies as a key area of its growth strategy, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 compared to 2019 levels. They also recognize the importance of contributing to a circular economy by turning waste into resources and have included circular business models as one of their seven main areas of focus.

Toyota Tsusho acknowledges the impact of climate change on its business activities and expressed its commitment to the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) in May 2019. They are expanding the disclosure of information regarding the impact of climate change on their business activities in accordance with TCFD recommendations and have identified climate change-related business risks and opportunities as key factors.

Toyota Tsusho is strengthening its climate change adaptation measures and has established, manages, and operates business continuity plans (BCPs) that consider risks from weather disasters such as heavy rain and heat waves. They have also established five key areas for supporting a circular economy, including energy production, collection and management, manufacturing, transportation, utilization, waste disposal, and recycling, with an investment of 1.6 trillion yen by 2030.

Toyota Tsusho is intensifying its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at a company-wide level and established a Carbon Neutrality Promotion Division in April 2022 to advance institutional design for achieving carbon neutrality, emission management, and growth strategies in the areas of carbon neutrality and circular economy.

Toyota Tsusho joined the GX (Green Transformation) League Basic Concept established by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in 2022 and participated in the GX League in April 2023. The GX League is a platform where companies that aim to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and drive social transformation collaborate with the government and academia to tackle GX, realizing sustainable growth in current and future societies. Toyota Tsusho is actively participating in GX League activities with the goal of "passing on a better global environment to future generations."