The manufacturing and electric power industries, mainstays of the Chugoku region that emit large amounts of carbon dioxide, are under pressure to accelerate their decarbonization efforts. But high hurdles stand in their way, with slow progress being seen in the shift toward electric vehicles and use of renewable energy sources.

If they fail to respond, the industries that support the regional economy, including their parts suppliers, could fall into decline.

On June 2, Mazda Motor Corp. announced its goal of bringing greenhouse gas emissions to net zero at its plants in Japan and overseas by 2035. To ensure widespread adoption of the initiative, the company has held online briefings for the media on three occasions, with each session allotting double the time for a question-and-answer part compared with the explanation of its plans.