Sample News Story
Government Approves First Steps on Greenhouse Gas Emissions Policy
28/08/1998
The "global warming prevention promotion outline", which represents a first step towards complying with promises made at the COP 3 Kyoto conference, has been approved by the Japanese government. On the basis of this outline, the relevant government agencies will now draw up specific measures to form the basis of co-operation by industry and the public at large.
Specific terms The outline lists a number of medium-term measures to be defined in more specific terms, including:
u establishing the basic policies for a law to be issued by the Environmental Agency;
u a 15-20% improvement in motor vehicle efficiency from 1995 to 2010;
u discussions on fiscal adjustments to promote fuel efficiency in motor vehicles;
u a 50% increase in nuclear power generation, above 1997 levels, by 2010;
u an 8-10% improvement in the efficiency of home electronic systems;
u discussions regarding the implementation of summertime arrangements and re-assessment of lifestyles.
Action Industries will be asked to check and monitor their voluntary action plans, and more companies will be asked to contribute and disclose action plans.
Progress Government agencies will carry out reviews on progress, which will then be used to assess the effectiveness of the measures and potentially re-assess them.