• Recognizing the slow progress on implementation of the [UN] Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, JAMA has a sense of urgency and is making maximum efforts towards carbon neutrality.
• The importance of the “range of pathways” and “multi-pathway approaches” to achieving carbon neutrality has been recognized not only in the latest IPCC report, but also by the G7 leaders and the G7 national automobile manufacturers associations.
• Over the past 20 years, Japan has achieved a -23% reduction in CO₂ emissions in the road transport sector through the pursuit of various options including the diffusion of HEVs and kei (mini) cars, ranking it among the top G7 countries in terms of carbon emission reductions.
• Steady progress is being made in the implementation of the variety of options (technologies/strategies) that can be adopted to reduce CO₂ emissions in road transport, as demonstrated by JAMA’s exhibit of different types of vehicles at the G7 Hiroshima Summit.
• Addressing climate change requires collective efforts among all stakeholders in order to reduce CO₂ emissions as rapidly and as significantly as possible. To achieve that goal, it is important to respect regional diversity and to recognize that flexibility through the adoption of multiple, technology-open pathways is necessary. Genuine enthusiasm by determination supported by action can change the future.

• To help promote the creation of sustainable communities, a project has been launched in a regional area of Japan that involves rice farmers, Omi cattle farmers, vehicle manufacturers and government and targets the local production and consumption of biomass resources.
• Because there are diverse pathways to carbon neutrality, solutions should be found on the basis of their suitability to a particular community.
• Members of a community can join forces to achieve carbon neutrality and the sustainability of their community. This case has applicability in many regions of the world and can contribute to the achievement of multiple sustainable development goals.
• Action on the biomass-to-biogas project could be taken immediately because implementation was possible using existing facilities.

• Conducting life cycle analysis is critical to achieving real, significant carbon reduction. There are differences in regional situations.
• More specifically, there are various options depending on national and local conditions. A good solution in one region may not be appropriate in another. Good and bad powertrain combinations depend on the country.
• The pursuit of sustainability should take into account factors such as accessibility and equity, costs, and partnerships.
• Biofuel technology is mature and some countries already have the technology. However, without tools and strategies in addition to the technology, such options cannot be used. Education, changes in behavior and R&D are also important.
• In Brazil, the focus is on bioenergy because of the abundance of biomass.
• Advancing the commercialization of breakthrough technologies is essential to expanding their potential and thereby accelerating the transition to decarbonization. BEVs, HEVs, biomass and bioethanol-powered vehicles will contribute to that goal.

• There are two technological pathways to reducing or eliminating CO₂ emissions from vehicles: conversion to EVs and the use of biofuels.
• Brazil is blessed with a high proportion of clean and renewable energy production. Almost half of its energy comes from renewable sources such as hydropower, solar, wind, biomass, and firewood. To take advantage of this situation, Brazil is decarbonizing through the well-to-wheel concept.
• Flex-fuel vehicles, which can run on either petrol or bioethanol, are available in Brazil and have been well received by customers. Flex-fuel HEVs are also available and are best sellers.

As summary of session:

• Our guest speakers today have explained the significance of the JAMA exhibit held at the G7 Hiroshima Summit; the content of the joint statement on achieving carbon neutrality issued by G7 national automobile manufacturers associations; specific initiatives in Japan and Brazil; and scientific findings of the IPCC.
• The key word in this session was “diversity.” Individual regions face different situations and priorities. The importance of diversity and a multiple-pathway approach needs to be recognized.
• It is necessary to move from the “ambition” phase to the implementation phase by taking action now.
• There are many challenges and realities involved in reducing emissions. The support of all stakeholders is essential to achieving a transition that is equitable. This applies not only to biomass, but also to renewable energies such as wind and solar.
• Worldwide, we are at a critical point and action can no longer be deferred. The transport sector is of crucial importance to achieving the common goal of carbon neutrality.