BELÉM — As the world converges at COP30 to confront the climate crisis, Greenpeace has condemned Toyota’s misleading promotion of biofuel-powered prototype vehicles as a decarbonisation solution, as it ignores mounting scientific consensus that biofuels are a false climate solution that endangers both people and the planet.[1]

Greenpeace joined with Climate Action Network (CAN)  — representing over 1,900 civil society organisations worldwide — to reject the so-called “Belém 4x Pledge” on biofuels, warning that expanding biofuel production threatens forests, food security, and climate goals — echoing growing scientific consensus that crop-based biofuels are a false solution to the energy and climate crises.[2]

Mariko Shiohata, Climate and Energy Campaigner, Greenpeace Japan, said: 

“As one of the world’s largest automakers, responsible for 1.5% of global emissions, Toyota is already lagging behind in electrifying its fleet. Greenpeace East Asia’s recent report shows Toyota has not committed to setting a target to cut absolute emissions to align with the 1.5°C climate goal.”[3]

Scientific studies project that by 2030, biofuels could emit 70 million tonnes more CO₂e per year than fossil fuels. Greenpeace East Asia’s research finds that Toyota’s battery electric vehicles produce only one-third of the lifetime use-phase emissions compared to internal combustion models. There is a global consensus that a complete transition to electrification is urgently needed. [4]

Shiohata added: “There’s no time for detours on electrification. By promoting a false solution at the world’s climate summit — in the heart of the Amazon — Toyota is undermining global efforts to cut carbon emissions fast enough to avert climate catastrophe.”

END

Notes:

[1] Toyota do Brasil, press release (released on November 5, 2025)

[2] COP30: CAN Rejects Belém 4X Pledge on Sustainable Fuels as Credible Pathway to Just Transition

[3] Toyota’s Electric Vehicle Backtrack Deepens the Climate Crisis, Undermining the 1.5°C Pathway: Greenpeace East Asia Report

[4] Open letter to COP30: Scientists call on global leaders to limit crop biofuels

Media Contacts:

Yujie Xue, International Communications Officer, Greenpeace East Asia (Hong Kong), +852 5127 3416, [email protected]

Natalia Emi Hirai, Communications Officer, Greenpeace Japan, +8180 6558 4446,  [email protected]