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

Chapter I: How to Tackle the Global Warming Issue

3. Policy Development to Arrest Global Warming

Regulation
Japan still does not have any regulations that aim to counter global warming. It is not realistic to solve the whole problem by introducing regulations. However, it is necessary to positively explore the possibilities of introducing/reinforcing effective regulatory measures, once the recognition of the importance of arresting global warming spreads among citizens and they are ready to accept such regulations. Regarding those regulations which hamper the efforts to reduce CO₂emissions, it is important to implement modifications, examining fully the rationality of the goals of these regulations and their necessity.

Economic Instruments
Economic instruments such as the implementation of a carbon tax are expected to be effective. In five north European nations, a carbon tax is already being introduced and the introduction of a similar tax system is currently being considered in both Switzerland and in New Zealand. In Japan the introduction of a carbon tax has been discussed at different levels. It is necessary to develop a national discussion that involves the general public by showing concrete draught proposals and examining the implications of introducing such a tax.

Details of Carbon Tax in Different Countries

	Taxed Object (upper half) Tax Rates (lower half)	Tax Exempt	Tax Reduction
Denmark (after the 96 revision)	All CO₂ emission sources (except petrol, natural gas, biofuel) In the case of electricity, tax is levied upon power use, not fuel consumption for power production.	- Fuel for aeroplanes and vessels engaged in international trade - Electricity produced from, and fuel used for, oil refinery	- Heavy industrial process (high energy consuming production process) 2-4% tax rate reduction for room heating can apply. - Light industrial process (lighting, office appliance and other non-heavy industrial use) 15-25% tax rate reduction for room heating can apply. - When companies sign an agreement with the Government to invest a certain amount in energy saving, and implement the agreement, further tax reduction can apply.
Denmark (after the 96 revision)	In the case of room heating (industrial sector) about 14,000 yen/tC in 1996 and 41,800 yen/tC in 2000. Both cases include energy tax. (Petrol tax about 59 yen/litre)
Finland	All fossil fuel	- Fuel for aeroplanes and ships operated abroad - Products used as material in production - Fuel used in oil refinery
Finland	About 3,500 yen/tC in the case of petrol, about 3.1 yen/litre (include energy tax) Tax revenue ratio is energy:carbon = 40:60
Holland	Energy sources used as fuel (energy sources used as products are not taxed.)	- Residual fuel under a certain amount of use - All residual fuel consumed at household level (applied until 1998) - All residual fuel (energy tax in the whole tax rates)	- Mass consumed natural gas (more than 10 million cubic metres) 58% reduced tax rate (energy tax) can apply.
Holland	About 2,600 yen/tC (Tax revenue ratio is energy:carbon = 50:50) In case of petrol, about 1.7 yen/litre
Norway	- Mineral oil - Petrol - Gas burned in marine oil fields - Coal and coke	- Ships in international trade, fishing fleet trade, working outside the Norwegian sea, mineral oil used as aeroplane fuel - Coal and coke used as industrial materials - Limestone and coke used in the cement and lime industries - Fuel used in oil refinery
Norway	11,800-24,500 yen/tC In case of petrol, about 16 yen/litre
Sweden	Oil, gas oil, crude oil, kerosene, LPG, methane, natural gas, coal and coke	- Fuel used for train engines, international airlines, and ships - Coal and coke used in oil refinery - Fuel used in power generation	- Industrial fuel and commercial horticultural fuel - 25 % of the ordinary tax rate applys. (Energy tax is excepted.) However, there is no tax reduction for fuel use to automobiles, buses and trucks.
Sweden	About 22,000 yen/tC In the Case of petrol, about 14 yen/litre

Note:: 1. 1 tC (ton in carbon) = 3.67 tCO₂ (ton in CO₂ 1,555 litres of petrol; 2. Exchange rates uses are as of March 31, 1997. Dkr = 19 yen, FMK = 25 yen, DGL = 66 yen, NKr = 19 yen, SKr = 16 yen.

Source: Environment Agency

Promotion of Voluntary Efforts
1) The industrial sector is the biggest source of CO₂emissions, and industry Is expected to further reduce emissions on voluntary basis. In recent years, many efforts have been seen, and continue to be seen, being made in companies and industrial organisations, and also some voluntary action plans have been drawn up and positive goals have been identified. 2) Although it is very important that each citizen revises the current mass-consumption/mass-disposal lifestyle, there has been no substantial achievement in this respect. It is urged that each citizen act in a way that takes the welfare of future generations into account, even though this may mean extra work, slight inconvenience and an increased economic burden. 3) Environmental NGOS are expected to play a leading role in regional citizens' efforts to arrest global warming.

Suggestions regarding Energy Saving Actions in One's Immediate Vicinity and Estimates of Their Effectiveness

Types of energy using appliance	Energy saving actions	Energy saving result per year per household (1 appliance)
Television (1C-25 type) colour TV with 140W energy consumption)	Reduce viewing hours by 1 hour per day.	Reduction of maximum 51 kWh (about 1,300 yen) per set
Air conditioner (700W energy consumption)	Reduce its use by 1 hour per day for 70 days in summer.	Reduction of maximum 49 kWh (about 1,245 yen) per household
Refrigerator/freezer (400L class with 36kWh/month energy consumption)	Make sure not to store too much in the refrigerator so that cool air can properly circulate.	Reduction of maximum 8 kWh (about 203 yen) per household
Washing machine (automatic with 110W energy consumption)	Make sure to spin dry before rinsing.	Reduction of maximum 29 kWh (about 740 yen) per household
Hoover (60W energy consumption)	Clean filters and dust collection bags before use.	Reduction of maximum 18 kWh (about 460 yen) per household
Lighting	Replace 60W incandescent lamp with 20W fluourescent lamp.	Reduction of maximum 31 kWh (about 790 yen) per household

Source: Compiled by the Environment Agency from MITI's Data

Promotion of Monitoring
For global warming counter-measures to be effective, the following things are essential: the implementation of monitoring, the elucidation of the mechanisms of global warming, and research in the field of future forecasts of global warming and its effects. Japan will continue to contribute to the world's efforts in these areas. At the same time, research on global warming's impact on not only Japan but also on he Asia region as a whole, is needed.

Technological Development and Its Dissemination
It is important to adequately evaluate existing technology for the role it might play in reducing CO₂ emissions. It is also important to actively encourage the spread of those technologies that are appropriate. In addition, in order to make considerable long-term reductions in the amount of CO₂emissions, the development and dissemination of revolutionary technology is essential. By the end of the 2lst century, even if the whole world achieves the same current levels of energy efficiency that are in existence in Japan, global warming cannot be arrested. Therefore, developed nations, including Japan, need to develop and introduce technologies that counter global warming, and lead the rest of the world into a technological paradigm that prevents global warming.

Promotion of International CO-operation
It is urged that Japan will reinforce co-operation in environmental fields, placing special emphasis on the Asia region, which is the area of the world currently experiencing the most rapid growth. In particular, energy-saving technology transfer will have many more advantages, and needs to be actively promoted. Energy-saving technology transfer will contribute to the global reduction of CO₂emissions, will additionally prevent regional air pollution caused by sulphur oxides and other chemical substances, and furthermore, it will contribute to the reduction of energy costs in factories and the more that such technologies are applied the more stable they will become.

Basic Thinking for Future Approaches
Since the last two oil shocks. Japan has developed an efficient use of energy in order to cope with the fragile energy demand/supply structure. Nowadays, however, it is necessary to deal with energy efficiency bearing the benefits of environmental conservation in mind. Therefore, social and economic activities need to be revised thoroughly. This process might entail pain. However, if we do nothing because of the pain, human beings and other living things on the earth will suffer from an even greater pain.
The Kyoto Conference offers a challenge. People need wisdom and action in order to meet this challenge. The following three basic ways of thinking are needed, as they are the responsibility of present generations.

Japan's Domestic Responses
Japan's previous measures have been far from sufficient. As a hosting nation for the Kyoto Conference, it is essential to hold the conference along with active discussions and the introduction of domestic measures. To do this, the following three points are essential.

Basic Thinking for Counter Global Warming Measures

1)	In the long term, CO₂ emission should be substantially reduced, and the implementation of counter-measures should not be delayed.
In order to arrest global warming, ultimately, CO₂ emissions will have to be halved from the present level. The longer counter-measure are delayed, the bigger the burden that is placed on the future generations may be. Therefore, emissions in developed nations after the year 2000 will have to be sufficiently reduced as early as possible.
2)	Fair implementation of measures
In order for every country to co-operate in measures to counter global warming, it is necessary to divide efforts fairly, adequately reflecting the capacities and abilities of each nation. To maintain the element of fairness it is necessary to take account of each country's particular situations as much as is possible.
3)	Certain and efficient implementation of measures
It is necessary to establish a system whereby measures in each country are implemented. For this, goals and measures to achieve the goals of each nation need to be presented. In addition, it is important to be able to judge and evaluate the achievement of each nation's efforts in relative terms.

Ways to Carry Out Japan's Measures to Counter Global Warming

1)	Guaranteed achievement of the year 2000 goals
Concerned people in different sectors and industries should be fully informed and prepared, prior to the Kyoto Conference.
2)	Active promotion of the Action Plan to Arrest Global Warming and investigation into the need for revision
At the moment, the thing that is most called for, is that the Action Plan to Arrest Global Warming should actually result in some sound achievements. Although this plan lists various political goals, there are insufficient links between these goals and the actual, concrete measures that will ensure their achievement. Therefore, there should be discussions of these issues, including the possibilities of revising the Action Plan, in order to achieve the Plan's year 2000 goals. These discussions should also provide for the stricter implementation of measures after the Kyoto Conference.
3)	Development of citizens' movements
Global warming is caused by the ordinary activities undertaken by people in the course of their business and their daily lives. Whether effective counter-measures to global warming occur or not very much depends upon the actions and awareness of individuals. The development of a citizens' movement is necessary to promote action on the part of both individuals and the business community. The Kyoto Conference will be an ideal opportunity for such development.