NHK: Japanese industries to cut CO2
NHK reports today that Japanese industries will strive to cut carbon dioxide emissions to meet the 2012 target set by the Kyoto Protocol. The very significant pledge for a reduction at 18.57 million tons was reported at a meeting of the environment and industry ministries on Monday:
Twenty-two industrial sectors, including petrochemical firms and electrical appliance makers, will add 15.73 million tons to the voluntary target of 2.84 million tons they announced in the previous fiscal year. Under the Kyoto Protocol, Japan is required to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 6 percent from the 1990 levels. During the 5-year period beginning next April, Japan will need to further reduce emissions by about 15 million tons to meet the target of 34 million tons.
NHK, in its usual dry, uninspiring way, doesn't realize that this is a very significant story. If Japan's industrial sector is serious about such cuts, it will have a major influence on the way other countries will deal with global warming. Why is NHK so afraid of stating the obvious - this is big news.
Reuters also runs the story today, noting that Japan is already among the world's most energy efficient countries. Japan curbed its greenhouse gas emissions by 1.3 percent last year, putting Japan closer to its Kyoto Protocol goal. Also, in October, Japanese trucking firms, home builders, instant noodle makers and sugar manufacturers promised to take additional measures to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help the country meet climate change goals. Chemical makers, paper makers and oil refiners have made similar pledges this fall.
Vice Environment Minister Yoshio Tamura said the government would not abandon its commitments.
"We've never thought of giving up, and are now working to write down extra measures, to be drafted by December and finalized by March, to enable us to meet the goal," Tamura told Reuters.
Reuters: Japan greenhouse emissions dip, still lag target
Reuters: More Japanese industries raise CO2 emission cut targets
Twenty-two industrial sectors, including petrochemical firms and electrical appliance makers, will add 15.73 million tons to the voluntary target of 2.84 million tons they announced in the previous fiscal year. Under the Kyoto Protocol, Japan is required to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 6 percent from the 1990 levels. During the 5-year period beginning next April, Japan will need to further reduce emissions by about 15 million tons to meet the target of 34 million tons.
NHK, in its usual dry, uninspiring way, doesn't realize that this is a very significant story. If Japan's industrial sector is serious about such cuts, it will have a major influence on the way other countries will deal with global warming. Why is NHK so afraid of stating the obvious - this is big news.
Reuters also runs the story today, noting that Japan is already among the world's most energy efficient countries. Japan curbed its greenhouse gas emissions by 1.3 percent last year, putting Japan closer to its Kyoto Protocol goal. Also, in October, Japanese trucking firms, home builders, instant noodle makers and sugar manufacturers promised to take additional measures to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help the country meet climate change goals. Chemical makers, paper makers and oil refiners have made similar pledges this fall.
Vice Environment Minister Yoshio Tamura said the government would not abandon its commitments.
"We've never thought of giving up, and are now working to write down extra measures, to be drafted by December and finalized by March, to enable us to meet the goal," Tamura told Reuters.
Reuters: Japan greenhouse emissions dip, still lag target
Reuters: More Japanese industries raise CO2 emission cut targets
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