Current Topics 1
International Symposium "Climate Action and Disaster Risk Reduction"
The International Symposium on "Climate Action and Disaster Risk Reduction" was held online on 30 June 2020.
Overview of the Symposium
At the symposium, Ms. MIZUTORI Mami, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General (SRSG) for Disaster Risk Reduction and Head of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), gave the keynote speech on international trends in disaster risk reduction (DRR). This was followed by a panel discussion with representatives of related ministries, international organizations and experts. Then, there was an open dialogue on future concrete initiatives, and international contributions by Japan, between Mr. KOIZUMI Shinjiro, Minister of the Environment, Mr. TAKEDA Ryota, (then) Minister of State for Disaster Management, and Special Representative MIZUTORI.
Keynote speech
Special Representative MIZUTORI pointed out that responses to climate change, which wields major impacts on our world, are not being carried out with the same level of urgency as responses to COVID-19. She asserted that if we do not respond to and prepare for climate change with a sense of urgency based on lessons learned from COVID-19, all aspects of our lives and livelihoods will no longer be sustainable. She also stressed the importance of raising momentum in Japan to simultaneously address the three pillars of climate change measures, DRR, and the realization of the SDGs.
Panel discussion
The invited panelists were representatives of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Republic of Kiribati, and JICA, as well as experts in DRR and finance. In the discussion, facilitated by Dr. TAKEMOTO Kazuhiko of the United Nations University, the panelists discussed Japan's potential contribution to international cooperation to enhance synergies between the three global agendas (the Paris Agreement, the Sendai Framework for DRR, and the SDGs).
During the discussion, comments were made on the importance of userfriendly ways of providing Japan's knowledge and technologies, such as Eco-DRR and scientific technology, in international cooperation. Moreover, it was pointed out that even closer cooperation among the Ministry of the Environment, the Cabinet Office, JICA, and the Japanese academia is crucial to facilitate contributions to achieving the SDGs through Japan's outstanding knowledge on climate action.
Open dialogue
The open dialogue between Special Representative MIZUTORI, Minister KOIZUMI, and Minister TAKEDA was led by remarks from the two ministers' respective views which were incorporated into the joint message mentioned below. Opinions were then exchanged on how to advance DRR that factors in climate change (the synergy between climate action and DRR) while applying lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Joint message
Open Dialogue
In conjunction with the symposium, the "Strategy for Enhancing the Synergy between Climate Action and Disaster Risk Reduction in the Era of Climate Crisis," a joint message from Minister KOIZUMI and Minister TAKEDA, was released on the same day.
The message conveyed the concept of "Adaptive Recovery," whereby recovery after a disaster strikes is not confined to the idea of simply restoring the affected area to the way it was before, but rather involves resilient measures, including the control of land use, to advance adaptation to climate change.
Going forward, based on this message (strategy), the Disaster Management Bureau of the Cabinet Office and the Ministry of the Environment will work together to promote coordinated initiatives.
International Symposium "Climate Action and Disaster Risk Reduction"
URL https://bousai2020.tokyo/YouTube (archive) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXbCMJ_vHf0&feature=emb_title
Strategy for Enhancing the Synergy between Climate Action and Disaster Risk Reduction in the Era of Climate Crisis (PDF)
https://bousai2020.tokyo/pdf/Joint_message_bousai2020_E.pdf
Current Topics 2
Japan's Policy on Exporting Coal-Fired Power Generation
In the outline of the new government strategy for infrastructure exports released in July, the government has undertaken a review and tightened the policy on assisting exports of newlyplanned coal-fired power plants based on Japan's intention to take a responsible part in the global efforts towards effective decarbonization.
New policy
The new policy is as follows. To achieve the goals set out in the Paris Agreement, it is crucial to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions in an effective manner. The energy situation is changing rapidly and drastically, such as energy transition led by cost reduction of renewable energy. There is also the reality that coal is the only economic and stable energy source for some countries. Due to this reason, these countries have selected coal-fired power generation as their electricity source. While there is a policy of coal divestment, it seems essential to deeply engage with such countries in their energy and climate change policies and encourage behavioral change and commitment towards decarbonization by offering a feasible plan with a long-term perspective, as we seek the realistic and steady path towards global decarbonization, instead of crippling opportunities for these countries to enhance energy access and eliminate power shortage risks for the welfare of people and economic growth.
Therefore, Japan will make responsible inter-agency efforts towards global decarbonization by strengthening its engagement with partner countries, in accordance with their development stages. In order to lead the effort towards global decarbonization, the basic policy of the government will be to promote the support of infrastructure exports which will guide countries to further their energy transitions towards decarbonization. Based on a deep understanding of the needs of partner countries, Japan will offer all available options for reducing CO2 emissions including renewable energies such as wind, solar and geothermal energy, hydrogen, energy management techniques and CCUS/carbon recycling. Japan will support developing policies such as a long-term strategy under the Paris Agreement with a view to attaining decarbonization.
Regarding newly-planned coalfired power generation projects, the government will not, in principle, support the installation of the projects in countries whose energy issues and decarbonization policies have not been deeply accounted for in the bilateral context such as at energy and environmental policy dialogue frameworks. On the other hand, as a special case in countries where coal-fired power is currently an indispensable option due to energy security and economic reasons, and if the country requests Japan's highly efficient coal-fired power generation for its transition to decarbonization, Japan will support the installation of coal-fired power generation that is at or above USC with topclass environmental performance which utilizes Japan's cutting edge technology (i.e. USC plants with the power generation efficiency of 43% or higher, IGCC plants, as well as plants with co-combustion technologies or CCUS/carbon recycling that emit CO2 per unit of electricity generated at the same level as IGCC plants or lower), taking into account OECD rules, consistent with the partner country's energy and climate change policies, provided that the country will make efforts for behavioral change in accordance with its development stage with policy and project support from Japan.
Glossary
CCUS:
Carbon capture, utilization and storage technology to capture and collect carbon dioxide from thermal power plants' exhaust gas, to be effectively utilized elsewhere or stored underground.
USC:
Ultra-supercritical power generation creates steam at a higher temperature and higher pressure than conventional boilers to produce electricity more efficiently and with less CO2 emissions.
IGCC:
Integrated gasification combined cycle technology converting coal into gas and generating power in a combined cycle of both a gas turbine and steam turbine. Power generation is more efficient than USC and CO2 emissions are diminished.
Current Topics 3
Launch of the Japan Platform for Redesign: Sustainable Infrastructure (JPRSI)
Group photo of the inaugural ceremony
Organizational structure of JPRSI
On 8 September 2020, the Japan Platform for Redesign: Sustainable Infrastructure (JPRSI) was established together with 277 Japanese groups and organizations.
Overview of the platform
JPRSI will support Japanese companies and other relevant actors' initiatives aimed at developing highquality environmental infrastructures overseas, along with adapting this infrastructure to partner countries' environmental needs. The platform will share information on local needs, in parallel with disseminating information on Japanese technologies and initiatives, coordinating with parties involved, and offering business matching opportunities.
Additionally, the platform will communicate on the Ministry of the Environment's support for the formulation of projects, applications for financial support and on recruitment information, as part of the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) financial support scheme and Cityto- City Collaboration Programme aimed at decarbonization. The dedicated website and seminars will provide Japanese companies looking to develop projects overseas with valuable information on environmentrelated funding and good practices from past projects.
As such, comprehensive support will be provided throughout the development of these projects, from project formulation based on the needs of partner countries to infrastructure installation.
Inaugural ceremony
All organizations involved in technological cooperation with other countries in the field of environmental infrastructure were invited in the inaugural ceremony (service industry including consultants and experts 36%, manufacturing 20%, construction 16%, trading companies, wholesalers 7%, infrastructure industry 5%, local governments and related organizations 4%, others). A panel discussion was conducted on environmental infrastructure technologies' development abroad, with representatives from the private sector, local governments, and financial institutions.
Future developments
Going forward, JPRSI will encourage the development of projects by providing information to its members and promoting business matching via opportunities such as the Japan Environment Week Workshop.
Japan Platform for Redesign: Sustainable Infrastructure (JPRSI)
URL https://www.oecc.or.jp/jprsi/
Current Topics 4
Redesigning Work-Style amid and after the Pandemic
Minister Koizumi setting a workation example (Bandai-Asahi National Park)
By promoting "workation" and demonstrating a new lifestyle combining "business with leisure" in national parks, we aim to support regional economies and revitalize tourist sites by encouraging longer stays.
"Workation" is a newly coined portmanteau of "work" and "vacation." Workation combines taking a holiday and working remotely from a tourist destination.
Initiatives from the Ministry of the Environment
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of the Environment was quick to advocate the idea of workation in Japanese national parks. As part of this year's emergency economic measures, the Ministry established a subsidy scheme aiming to adapt national parks to receive teleworkers. A total of 270 initiatives are receiving support to upgrade their Wi-Fi access and to plan and conduct nature tours and events for teleworkers, implemented by local businesses and relevant organizations.
In order to promote workation, working conditions must be reexamined. In July 2020, the Ministry revised its "Telecommuting Guidelines," allowing employees to telecommute from locations other than their homes. Accordingly, "Workation Days" initiative was put forward by first-year ministry officials to actually experience workation. Soon after, in September, ten employees went on workation. Out of the ten, 90% reported that their "motivation to work was enhanced" and that they "felt healthier both mentally and physically." Likewise, 70% of these employees reported that their "work efficiency improved."
Workation at national parks
Promotion of Workation
Workation facility near Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park
While national parks have an important role to play in the preservation of our rich natural environment, in a pandemic and postpandemic age, they also provide a working environment avoiding the Three Cs (Closed spaces with poor ventilation, Crowded spaces with many people nearby, and Close-contact settings), along with the potential to contribute to regional revitalization and the rediscovery of regional charms.
Workation allows for working remotely at national parks or other locations surrounded by lush nature. Doing so not only has health benefits by preventing infections, but also involves other benefits for the working population, such as inspiring new ideas. Likewise, long-term stays at tourist sites are beneficial to local communities. We believe workation is well suited to becoming the "new normal" amid and after the pandemic.
Many regions have already shown considerable interest in promoting workation. The Workation Alliance Japan was founded in November 2019 to promote the nationwide expansion of workation. At the time of the organization's launch, 65 local governments had joined the alliance, but since then, this figure has grown to 118 (as of October 8 2020.) Initiatives are progressing in many different regional communities and from various perspectives. In addition to revitalizing tourist sites, these initiatives lead to the creation of new businesses, benefit local communities, and attract more people to settle.
According to an opinion poll conducted by the JTB Tourism Research & Consulting Co. on "Changes in lifestyles and perceptions due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the return to travel," approximately 75% of people hope to continue telecommuting by working online. The momentum for workation is building with peoples' increased desire to stay healthy and work creatively in regional communities including national parks, where they can enjoy abundant nature with a low risk of infection.
The environment must not be left behind in efforts to restore the post-coronavirus economy, and it is essential to redesign our economy to be more sustainable and resilient. As a part of our efforts to promote the charm of national parks, the Ministry of the Environment views the sudden expansion of remote working due to the COVID-19 crisis as an opportunity to redesign current socio-economic systems. The Ministry will continue to pursue environmentrelated improvements that facilitate workation and contribute to regional economies.