Editorial
Japan's dream of 'low-carbon revolution' lacks vision, commitment
An attempt to advance a "low-carbon revolution" while simultaneously accommodating the demands of industry has resulted in a half-baked decision by the Japanese government. The midterm target for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions announced by Prime Minister Taro Aso on Wednesday does not convey Japan's strong determination or philosophy in realizing a low-carbon society.
Of the six proposals for carbon emission reduction goals for 2020 that were under consideration -- ranging from a 4 percent increase to a 25 percent decrease from 1990 levels -- Aso ultimately settled on the equivalent of an 8 percent reduction, combining a 7 percent reduction with an additional 1 percent resulting from the rise in solar power.
Because Japan's greenhouse gas emissions have been rising since 1990, the rate of emission cuts turns out to be greater when 2005 is used as the base year as opposed to 1990. With such a switch in base year, emission cuts can be called a "15 percent reduction" in emissions. Furthermore, even though Japan is having a difficult time complying with the Kyoto Protocol, Aso has refrained from saying anything about the matter. Under such circumstances, no one can be blamed for complaining that Japan is trying to make its efforts at emission reductions seem greater than they actually are.
As Aso said, "the participation of all major greenhouse gas emitters and Japanese leadership on the issue" and "a balance between environment and economy" are both important factors in setting reduction targets. However, a clear vision that lays the groundwork for such goal-setting seems to be deeply lacking.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has said that industrialized nations as a whole must reduce their 2020 gas emissions by 25 to 40 percent compared to 1990 levels in order to curb global warming. Based on such scientific assessments, what are we going to do about the future of this planet? What changes are we going to bring to Japanese society and how are we going to implement them? Aso has not proposed anything that answers these questions.
Instead, he has fallen back on the logic of "taking a step forward while placing an emphasis on the concerns of the business world." But the 4 percent increase in emissions from 1990 levels that business leaders proposed was too insignificant a figure to make a dent in the so-called revolution. Just because Aso's figure exceeds that figure, it is unlikely Japan will be able to take the lead. A better strategy is needed to urge the participation of rising nations like China in the effort to reduce greenhouse gases.
In making his announcement, Aso also placed an emphasis on "the burden on citizens" that reducing greenhouse gases will have. While stating that an attempt to cut emissions by a figure greater than 8 percent will be too great a burden, he asks for the cooperation of the Japanese people in realizing the country's reduction target.
Undoubtedly, a change in people's consciousness and actions is important. But this is not a matter that can be tackled with the government "asking" the people for their help. A clear governmental policy is crucial.
Depending on how the government chooses to approach the issue, people will be able to think of the costs of working toward a low-carbon society as an investment in the future, rather than a burden. Based on how the government chooses to lead, the burden on the people, which assumes the state of society today as a precondition, will begin to change. And it could be possible for the government to encourage the further technological advances that will result in economic benefits.
Regardless, the latest figure announced by Aso is only one step toward talks in the international arena. The Japanese government must take the lead in future negotiations to develop a post-Kyoto Protocol framework.
(Mainichi Japan) June 11, 2009