Japan to Spend $4 Billion Next Year to Reduce Carbon Emissions: Develop Clean Energy Solutions, Electric Vehicles, Carbon Capture & Storage
by Matthew McDermott, Brooklyn, NY on 08.29.08
photo: Maki_C30D via flickr
With the recent sobering news that not only is the trend in the Arctic indicating that climate change is happening more quickly than models have indicated, but also that permafrost in the region contains significantly more greenhouse gases just waiting to be released as the region warms, it’s good to hear that at least one nation is increasing its efforts to get its own carbon emissions under a semblance of control.
27% Budgetary Increase For Climate Change Mitigation
Earlier this week, Japan announced that it will spend $4 billion in the next fiscal year on efforts to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. This would be a 27% increase in monies spend to combat climate change, Blooomberg reports. In June, Japan’s prime minister pledged that the nation would reduce its carbon emissions by 60-80% from current levels by 2050.
42% Increase in Spending on Nuclear Power
According to Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, measures to reduce emissions will include: Development of advanced nuclear power plants, electric vehicles, as carbon capture and storage systems. Nearly $83 million has been earmarked to develop nuclear power (a 42% budgetary increase).
Solar Subsidies Set to Return
In addition to these measures, Greentech Media reports that Japan intends to reintroduce subsidies for solar power. These incentives would provide nearly $217 million to assist families and businesses install solar power systems. Solar power subsidies were in place in Japan from 1994-2005.
So, the gist of it: Good on Japan. I’d argue that this level of emission reduction probably needs to take place more quickly than 2050, but their head is in the right place here.
via :: Bloomberg and :: Greentech Media
Climate Change
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Carbon Emissions Reduction
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$4 billion is quite a commitment.
As is a reduction of around 70% in carbon emissions.
This is excellent news. Not just for Japan, but for the world as it might give other nations a much needed kick in the pants to sort their own backyards out.
That said, I do find it perplexing that Japan is so green in some areas and yet so utterly primitive in others - hunting whales, etc. When they can set the bar in alternative energies, why can't they consider trying to meet our standards with regards to animal rights?
Still, it's a major step in the right direction. Good on them!
Steve N. Lee
author of eco-blog http://www.lionsledbysheep.com
and suspense thriller 'What if...?'
maybe there should be some legislation tha dictates the amount of GNP that should be directed to clean energy solutions. In EU 2% is mandatory for defence budget. If we could get at least that much directed to better energy solutions and reduction of pollutions, some serious changes could start happening.