Chapter I -3 :Quality of the Environment in Japan 1997

Chapter III : Promotion of Fundamental Environmental Efforts

1. Science and Technology and the Environment

Relationship between Science and Technology and the Environment
Science and technology have brought about a significant impact on the environment. For example, it was discovered that substances such as CFCs are highly destructive to the environment but, by the time of this discovery, these artificial substances had already been in existence for more than 40 years.
At the same time, science and technology have played an important role in conservation, by making it possible to understand the state of the environment, by revealing the mechanisms that underlie pollution, and by improving the environment.
There is no denying that science and technology are indispensable in the fight to solve the environmental problems we face. It is desired that those who are in the science and technology field should always bear the environmental impact of their activities in mind.

Reinforcement of a Science and Technology and Base in Forming Environmental Policies
The diagram on the right illustrates changes in the national science and technology expenditure of Japan. The following efforts should be made to reinforce science and technology that is related to environmental policies.

1)
Transformation from the response solution type to the problem anticipation and prevention type.
2)
Research and development of all fields of science and technology.
3)
Research and development in the policy science field.
4)
Efforts to support new science and technology.

Changes in Science and Technology Related Expenditure
Figure Figure

Note: In 1996, the sphere of concerned expenditure was revised.
Source: Compiled by the Environment Agency from data collected by the Science and Technology Agency.