Global Opinion Survey on Japan’s GHG Emission Reduction Targets for 2020

This is a call to participate in a global online survey from our friends at Japan for Sustainability.

In preparation for the Copenhagen meeting (COP15) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change at the end of 2009, Japan is currently engaged in debate about the country’s medium-term greenhouse gas emission reduction targets (for the period 2013 to 2020).

After considering public opinion and various other views, Prime Minister Taro Aso will decide on the medium-term targets this June. While environmental NGOs are calling for major emission reductions, industry is making a strong appeal for targets that will not lead to big reductions. A large gap in their positions persists.

Japan that will set its own national medium-term targets, but we at Japan for Sustainability (JFS) would like to ask people around the world for their comments, and then share our findings with Prime Minister Aso and the media here. Please take a few moments of your time to review the background and options being debated (below), then tell us what you think.

http://www.japanfs.org/en/pages/028987.html

Please reply by the end of the day, May 16, 2009. If you have any questions about this survey, please write to info@japanfs.org.

We will post our findings on the JFS website at the end of May. We very much appreciate your help!

Publications From Other Sources

Learn more about the environment in Asian countries from the following resources:

Global

• The Little Green Data Book (The World Bank)
• Country Profile and/or State of Environment (UNEP Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the Pacific)
• Country Environmental Factsheets (The World Bank)
• Key World Energy Statistics 2007 (International Energy Agency)
• Global Environment Outlook: environment for development (UNEP)

Singapore

• Singapore Nature Map (Website)
• National Energy Policy Report (Ministry of Trade and Industry)
• Energy Efficient Singapore (National Environment Agency)
• ABC Waters Programme (Public Utilities Board)
• Green Mark Scheme (Building and Construction Authority)
• Key Environmental Statistics 2007 (Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources)
• NEA Annual Report 2006/2007 (National Environment Agency)
• NParks Annual Report 2006/2007 (National Parks Board)
• National Climate Change Strategy (Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources)
• Singapore Green Plan 2012 (Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources)
• State of the Environment 2005 Report (Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources)
• PUB Annual Report 2005 (Public Utilities Board)
• Guidebook on Waste Minimisation for Industries (National Environment Agency)

Hong Kong

• Environment Hong Kong 2007 (Environmental Protection Department)
• EPD Environmental Performance Report 2007 (Environmental Protection Department)

Japan

• Annual Report on the Environment and the Sound Material-Cycle Society in Japan 2007 (Ministry of the Environment)
• Annual Report on the Environment in Japan 2006 (Ministry of the Environment)
• Outline of the Basic Environment Plan (Ministry of the Environment)

South Korea

• Green Korea 2006 (Ministry of Environment)

Innovative Way to Store Bicycles

Cycling is becoming more popular as a mode of transport in Singapore. With this increasing trend, there are worries about bicycle parking and thefts. In Japan, there is an automated bicycle storage system that stores your bicycle underground and retreives it in less than a minute. The system saves space and prevents theft – something we could look into and adopt.

Latest Eco Products from Japan

This video from Reuters shows the latest eco products and technologies showcased at the recent Eco Products 2008 Expo in Japan.

Event: Eco-Products 2008

The tenth Eco-Products 2008 Exhibition will be held from 11-13 Dec at the Tokyo International Exhibition Center (TOKYO BIG SIGHT) in Tokyo. This annual exhibition is one of the biggest environmental event in Japan, showcasing environmentally friendly products and services. The three-day event is organised by the Japan Environmental Management Association for Industry (JEMAI) and Nikkei Inc., and is expected to draw more than 750 companies and organizations, and more than 170,000 visitors.

The theme for this year’s exhibition is “We Can Do It! Eco-lifestyle with a 50% CO2 Reduction”. Check out the Eco-Products 2008 website for more info and the list of exhibitors. English guided tours are also available here.

Next Page »