Japan's emissions reduction plan taking flak at U.N. meeting

Sunday 24th August, 06:25 AM JST

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8 Comments

LIBERTAS at 09:21 AM JST - 24th August

A close read of the actual Kyoto statements made by Japan indicate no emissions targets promised. Japan, in its usual obfuscating way, only promised to build more roads. Up is down, wet is dry and less emissions means more roads. Only in Japan. Why are we surprised when the truth is uncovered. Don't believe me? Go read the statements for yourself.
some14some at 09:23 AM JST - 24th August

Green emission is non-existent issue, even if some still believe in global warming, cooling/melting economy of developed nations should be the priority.
ObviousDemon at 10:58 AM JST - 24th August

I was always ashamed that Australia didnt sign the Kyoto Protocol....UNTIL.....I went to Osaka and Kyoto and SAW the air quality!

What's next? Japan leading the world on Nuclear Safety?????

If Japan wants to 'lead the world' on these issues, its easy.....just clean YOUR OWN AIR then invite the world to see it, then teach them how YOU did it!
amannin1 at 11:59 AM JST - 24th August

UNTIL.....I went to Osaka and Kyoto and SAW the air quality!

Having not been to Osaka or Kyoto, I can comment on neither -- but comparing two cities in the USA such as San Diego and Los Angeles, SD has really high air quality, where as LA has really poor air quality.

The only difference is location -- one has a strong ocean breeze with a clear path which pushes out all the smog and pollution, whereas the other simply does not -- I imagine the same applies to these areas.

(Granted I thought Osaka was near/touching the ocean so I wonder why it would have poor air quality)
jaybeeb at 10:19 AM JST - 25th August

People seem to be missing the point. The fact is, it doesn't really matter whether a developed country like Australia cuts their emissions. However, if the developing countries are left to their own devices to develop, the damage will certainly have a tremendous impact on all countries.
sf2k at 04:04 PM JST - 25th August

Osaka is surrounded by mountains which traps the air in the area making smells and the air quality horrid on occassion. Please note you can smell hospital waste from incineration as well. (I did and I went indoors). when the air is good there, it's only when the air finally moved around from a new weather system. Many cities have similar problems as most are on plains between the water and mountains. The effects will depend on industries in the area.

Odd that the Kyoto Accord has the least play in Japan. Given that Peak Oil is coming and Japan imports 90% of it's oil, they're in for quite a shock.
presto345 at 05:33 PM JST - 25th August

I was always ashamed that Australia didnt sign the Kyoto Protocol....UNTIL.....I went to Osaka and Kyoto and SAW the air quality!

This must have been a real scientific experience. The perfect comparison. Good work.

The point is that developing and developed countries come to an agreement, tackling global warming.
jaybeeb at 05:38 PM JST - 25th August

sf2k, surrounded by mountains? It's a port city. Any pollution there is the result of the massive amount of industry in the region.

The United States is a major (and growing) net importer of oil. They are in a much weaker position to deal with peak oil. Japan at least has electrified passenger and cargo rail connecting every major city.