Japan’s attitudes and actions toward climate change

Climate change is undoubtedly going to affect all of us in the future — in fact, we are already seeing some of its consequences play out now. Though the scientific consensus is nearly unanimous, and people in general realize that global warming is a problem. Unfortunately, exact attitudes about the issue still varies, with some not realizing the extent of the crisis to others outright denying the evidence.

This is just as true in Japan as anywhere else. Many Japanese do realize that climate change is an issue that needs to be tackled, but action at various levels — from government policy to individual action — is not always as strong as it should be despite some steps forward.

In my personal life here, I have only come across one person who outright denied climate change. Surveys conducted by Japanese government agencies also indicate that people think we should do more to stop global warming. In a survey by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the vast majority of respondents answered that it would be good for Japan to take a more active role in fighting climate change (with “Good” at 47.4% and “Very Good” at 41.7%).

They also responded that some specific actions Japan can take include assisting developing countries, individual energy conservation by ordinary Japanese and promoting renewable energy.

But does that mean Japan is taking serious action against global warming?

Another poll conducted by Japan’s Cabinet Office indicated that only half of respondents thought that Japan’s plastic use was excessive, but others living here may disagree with that. Japanese stores and companies use a lot of plastic bags and packaging. It’s not uncommon to be offered a plastic bag for a single item, or to have to go through layers of plastic packaging for even simple products.

On a policy level, Japan also relies on coal to a high degree, and even promotes coal projects in developing countries. There are particular reasons for this, such as a desire to diversify its energy resources in the 1970s instead of relying solely on oil.

Like with other parts of the world, however, there are some positive steps being taken. Japan is planning to start charging for plastic bags in 2020. Despite the country’s reliance on coal, action is being taken to reduce emissions in some sectors. The government and car companies are setting a goal of reducing carbon emissions 90% below 2010 levels by 2050. The Japan Climate Initiative, whose member organizations include many municipalities and private companies, was started in October 2018.

The world as a whole isn’t doing enough to deal with the climate crisis, and Japan is no exception. However, just like initiatives and policies elsewhere, these smaller steps can hopefully be used as a base to expand upon and take more comprehensive action.

[Reference] The Japan Times
[Reference] Climate Action Tracker