Sunday, November 17, 2013
Japan backtracks on emissions levels
By Effie
On 15 November in Warsaw, the Japanese government announced to the media to slash its greenhouse gas reduction target after the Fukushima nuclear disaster. It will cut 3.8% of greenhouse gases over 2005 levels by 2020.
Before, Japan was committed to reduce emissions by 25% from 1990 levels. However, the new target represents a 3% rise over 1990s emissions levels.
The European Union "expressed disappointment", while Ed Davey, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, said it was "deeply disappointing". China regarded the announcement as a “backward movement”.
Japan's decision, announced in the wake of the devastating Typhoon Haiyan that hit the Philippines, led to wide criticism. Its dramatic backward movement makes those developing countries that are struggling with climate changes being derided.
“I want to assure you my country is still ambitious on climate change.” The Japanese diplomat still tried to stress its ambition for future.
As a third largest economic entity, Japan should take concerted action with State for Energy and Climate Change, reducing greenhouse gas. Lowering energy consumption and reducing pollutant discharge is a common goal. The pollution is caused by Japan itself, which cannot be used as an excuse being indolent.
Resource:
1.http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24952155
2.http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-11-16/news/44138189_1_emission-reduction-reduction-target-fukushima
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by Ryosuke
ReplyDeleteIn Japan, the issue of nuclear power is being discussed because tsunami struck Japan, and it destroyed nuclear power plant terribly. Thus, now, Japan uses a lot of gas or oil to generate electricity, so I think it is a little hard to reduce gas emission now.
By Lynn
ReplyDeleteThis reminds the last week's class on nuclear power. Nuclear power is more efficient then any other power I guess though it may bring disaster when misused. So we should not rely too much on one power resource.
by Lucy,
ReplyDeleteI think it cannot be an excuse to ease on the greenhouse gas emissions. Because environment problems can be very hard to solve but economy can be saved and be recovered. So for Japan, it can work on the technology and science.