Global warming, which is caused by an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, may lead to some serious problems for the environment of the entire globe. For example, it may cause melting of the ice at the South Pole, abnormal weather patterns, and changes in the ecosystem of plants and animals. Japan is trying to stabilize its emissions of "greenhouse gases" (carbon dioxide, methane, and other gases that contribute to global warming) and has adopted a target of stabilizing carbon dioxide emissions at around the level of 1990 by the year 2000. The national government, local governments, and people and organizations outside the government are now working on various projects to achieve this target. These projects include using energy more efficiently, reducing waste disposal, doing more recycling, protecting and extending forests (whose trees and other plants absorb carbon dioxide), promoting the use of public transportation, developing new energy sources like solar power and hydrogen, and switching to low-pollution vehicles like electric cars. Some Japanese automakers have developed electric cars that can go up to 160 kilometers an hour and travel up to 200 kilometers before their batteries need to be recharged. This performance is just as good as that of a regular gasoline-powered car. These electric cars are already marketed for general consumers, and are getting popular. Japan is also helping out with international projects to control global warming, such as the planting of mangrove forests in tropical regions. In December 1997 Japan hosted the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Kyoto.

In 1988 Japan passed a law for the preservation of the ozone layer. This law limits the production of the types of gas that damage the ozone layer (mainly chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs for short), and businesses that use this type of gas are expected to reduce the amount used. Local governments are cooperating with businesses in efforts to recycle and eliminate the use of CFCs.

Since 1990 Japan has been conducting a nationwide survey of damage to forests from acid rain. Japan is also encouraging other countries in East Asia to work together in setting up an international network to monitor acid rain.

In 1995 a system of "Junior Eco-Clubs" was set up, with elementary and middle schools all around the country taking part. These clubs conduct many activities aimed at protecting the local environment, including observation of plants and animals and environmental surveys.

Photo courtesy of Asahi Shogakusei Shimbun.