Japan is Leading the Emissions Reduction Race
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has recently released paper in the UN Climate Summit in Cancun asking for both developed and developing nations to play an equal part in the reduction of emissions and other atmosphere heating gases.
In a document titled “Broad-based participation is needed, involving not only developed, but also developing nations”, it has shown that while implementations to achieve the goals set at Copenhagen won't be cheap, it can be hoped that every country will do their best to meet targets. And it looks like Japan has decided to take up the issue seriously though officially Japan might not want to be a part of the extension of the Kyoto Protocol after the first phase expires in 2012. Japan reports impressive gains in reduction of greenhouse gas emissions at the GLOBE International legislators group.
Achieving set targets
Speaking at the GLOBE International legislators´ group meeting midway through the Cancun climate summit, Congresswoman Yorika Kawaguch has said that while 2008 might have seen emission levels rise by 1.6% when compared to the year 1990 base levels, Japan will make sure that they aren't too far from their set targets to achieve emission reductions by at least 6%.
Japan has in place an energy-saving law that has set guidelines for, homes, factories and the automobile industry. Besides subsidizing home rooftop solar voltaic heaters, the government encourages insulation or building energy efficient homes. The country hopes to achieve emission reduction targets by a combination of tax subsidiaries, introduction of energy-efficient appliances and strict guidelines.
While cities must enforce and ensure that the Kyoto Protocol standards are met, Japans three way reporting system that involve citizens, data collecting agencies and the government will make certain that the mandatory reporting of greenhouse gas emissions are duly reported.
Investing in research
Already a bulk of Japans industrials units and offices that account for half of the emissions in the country are already reporting their levels. Japan is also investing in research to build more energy efficient products.
The automobile industry has also contributed by encouraging efficient consumption. Models that used to give only 12 kmpl now have to achieve the best standards of 19 kmpl within a set deadline.
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