Environmental degradation is growing into a grave concern in various parts of the world today. Countries especially in developing regions are suffering from problems emanating from a combination of factors including population growth, concentration of population in cities, industrialization, and poverty, resulting in urban air pollution, water contamination, decline in sanitation, degradation of forests and soil, loss of biodiversity, marine pollution, etc. Moreover, pollutants released in countries around the world are spreading across boundaries and transcending generations to cause problems of a wide range, such as climate change and acid deposition.
These problems are not only threatening human health and living but also undermining the foundation of development for future generations with the diminishment of environmental resources.
In order to eliminate poverty and preserve the benefits of the environment for the future, actions must be taken to address environmental issues based on the concept of sustainable development.
During its period of high economic growth, Japan experienced heavy industrial pollution and other environmental problems. Through all-out efforts by the national and local governments, business corporations, and citizens' groups, pollution has abated dramatically. In addition, the country has achieved economic growth while improving efficiency in use of resources and energy. Today, Japan is working on the problems of waste disposal and other pollution issues related to everyday living, global warming and conservation of nature.
Backed by experiences and technologies developed through such processes, Japan is cooperating with countries around the world, particularly developing countries, to deal with protection of the environment.