Japan

Prime minister says "concrete" mid-term target will be announced by June

South Korea and Japan latest to announce plans to create jobs through multibillion-dollar low carbon investments

But some big hitters continue to steer clear, despite carbon caps only being voluntary

Greenhouse gas emissions still climbing as government unveils plans for national cap-and-trade scheme

Cap and trade rejected in short term as firms set their own reduction targets

Insists emerging economies should sign up to mid-term emission targets

Official insists it is full steam ahead for autumn launch of trial cap-and-trade scheme

Utility reported to have developed fast charging technology capable of delivering 40Km of motoring on a five-minute charge

Prime minister hails "first concrete step" towards low carbon economy

Prime minister Yasuo Fukuda announces plans to cut emissions by up to 80 per cent by 2050