AGENDA-1 (ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

OF THE PANDEMIC)

ISSUES
1. Climate Change
Climate change will impact most countries. However, as an island nation, Japan is
particularly susceptible. One of the main concerns is the rising sea level in Japan.
A 60-cm rise could see up to a 50% increase in the population living at or below
the sea level in Japan’s three largest bays. These bays house Japan’s four largest
cities.

Consequently, this could result in the Japanese government rethinking its flood
protection systems, rebuilding entire sections of cities or resettling millions of
people.

2. Air Quality – Air Pollution: Japan’s Biggest Environmental

Issue
Air pollution is the biggest environmental issue in Japan. Japan is, by far, one of
the most air-polluted countries in the world. Furthermore, deaths directly related
to air pollution are increasing annually. In 2019, air pollution was the cause of over
42,000 deaths, and the country is considered to have a “high number of deaths
attributable to air pollution exposure”.

The leading causes of air pollution are vehicle emissions and industrial production
– both the result of fossil fuel combustion.

3. Waste Management
Waste management has been an issue in Japan for years and continues to be
challenging. As an island, Japan has limited landfill space and long-term waste
storage, which are common solutions in most developed countries.

As a result, Japan heavily relies on waste incineration, which accounts for 78% of
the country’s waste management. Incinerating waste releases various greenhouse
gases and other harmful compounds that can negatively impact the health of local
communities.
Additionally, Japan needs to improve on recycling. Furthermore, it has the lowest
recycling rate of the countries in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and
Development (OECD).

4. Fishing Industry
Japan’s fishing industry suffers from the consequences of climate change and
overfishing. Climate change is damaging coral reefs and other essential fish
nurseries, which drives down fish stock replenishment rates.

At the same time, decades of unsustainable fishing practices and loose regulations
have led to the over-exploitation of a significant portion of Japan’s fisheries.
Between 1985 and 2017, Japan’s seafood production fell by 66%, caused in no
small part by overfishing

Solutions for Environmental and Climate Issues

in Japan

1. Long-Term Planning to Fight Climate Change

The root causes of most of environmental issues of Japan are poor long-term
planning and climate change. While climate change is a global issue, Japan is not
doing its fair share to mitigate it. Climate Action Tracker ranks the country’s
climate mitigation efforts as “insufficient“. Long-term planning is the need of the
hour for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and for the country’s economic
development.

2. More Renewable Energy

Solutions for global warming are well-known and largely hinge on adding more
renewable energy to the energy mix. Currently, 88% of Japan’s total power
generation comes from fossil fuels. Floating solar panels, offshore wind farms and
more solar capacity are all viable ways to help decarbonise the energy sector.
3. Quota-Based Fishing, Rice Farming Techniques, Better Water
Management and Better Environmental Protection Laws
Additionally, quota-based fishing, improved rice farming techniques and better
flood water management practices could help reduce environmental issues in Japan
and improve resiliency. This will require a combination of adaptation and
mitigation practices, which many other countries will also need to adopt in the
coming years.