Japan on Thursday said it will seek to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 46% below 2013 levels by 2030, per the AP and other outlets.

Why it matters: The country is the world's fifth-largest largest carbon dioxide emitter and a major consumer of coal, oil and natural gas.

• The new target under the Paris climate deal replaces a prior goal of a 26% reduction by 2030 and would require significant changes in its energy mix.
• The announcement comes just ahead of the virtual White House climate summit that opens later Thursday where Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is slated to speak .

What they're saying: “Responding to climate change will be a driving force of Japan’s economic growth,” Suga told reporters in Japan, Bloomberg reports.

Yes, but: Pledges under the Paris agreement are non-binding.

What we're watching: Other climate announcements from the many countries taking part in the Thursday-Friday summit.

Go deeper: White House unveils plans for high-profile climate summit