JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.
  • About K
  • Academics
  • Admission
  • Alumni Relations
  • Giving to K
  • News & Events
  • Student Life
  • HORNET HIVE
  • ATHLETICS
  • SITEMAP
  • WEBMAIL
    • Login
    View Item 
    •   CACHE Homepage
    • Academic Departments, Programs, and SIPs
    • Economics and Business
    • Economics and Business Senior Integrated Projects
    • View Item
    •   CACHE Homepage
    • Academic Departments, Programs, and SIPs
    • Economics and Business
    • Economics and Business Senior Integrated Projects
    • View Item

    Japanese Environmental Policy

    Thumbnail
    View/Open
    Searchable PDF / Kalamazoo College Only (17.30Mb)
    Date
    1990
    Author
    Rieden, Daniel P.
    Metadata
    Show full item record
    Abstract
    Japan's rather vague "sustainable development" approach to the global environment is based upon the embedded belief that one's happiness and welfare depends upon economic growth. Because Japan has had success in its economic recovery and expansion, it has "encouraged the view that profit overrides pretense in natural resource use" (15,p26). The government proposes the slogan, "Japan, a country contributing to the world" (32,2-7), but it continually downplays or ignores Japanese economic activities which destroy the environment . Instead, such slogans and catch-phrases, such as "Sustainable development", is part of a process known in Japan as "making air" or creating interest and support for a new idea (32,p28) . But such trumpery has had little effect on society. In summary, Japanese environmental policy is shaped by four forces: through the external pressure of gaiatsu, through scarcity of natural resources within Japan, through its post-war recovery growth incentives, and through the exercise/balance of power contained within the System. These forces are at work under the "Sustainable development" policy. In its ideal, it is the control of economic growth so that future generations can continue to grow, according to the government's definition. This ideal may have improved domestic conditions during the 1970s, but as growth continues, so too do consequences to foreign environments. This System cannot be changed due to the power structure of society . Government serves to protect industries which are beneficiaries to the present System. People and NGOs are powerless to entice change, although mounting foreign pressures may give them support . Despite "sustainable development" policy, Japanese contribution is not helping to sustain the environment, but persists in its growth to the detriment of the environment and people. This is an inherent problem with economic growth-oriented societies . We must reconsider what growth means to society, and if we should continue pursuing it at all . Environmentalists say no; true sustainable development means correcting inefficiencies, education, comprehensive management, and perpetuating creative ideas to further aid suffering populations in the Third World. i
    URI
    http://hdl.handle.net/10920/27714
    Collections
    • Economics and Business Senior Integrated Projects [1202]

    Browse

    All of CACHECommunities & CollectionsBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjectsThis CollectionBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjects

    My Account

    Login

    DSpace software copyright © 2002-2023  DuraSpace
    DSpace Express is a service operated by 
    Atmire NV
    Logo

    Kalamazoo College
    1200 Academy Street
    Kalamazoo Michigan 49006-3295
    USA
    Info 269-337-7000
    Admission 1-800-253-3602

    About K
    Academics
    Admission
    Alumni Relations
    Giving to K
    News & Events
    Student Life
    Sitemap
    Map & Directions
    Contacts
    Directories
    Nondiscrimination Policy
    Consumer Information
    Official disclaimer
    Search this site


    Academic Calendars
    Apply
    Bookstore
    Crisis Response
    Employment
    Library
    Registrar
    DSpace Express is a service operated by 
    Atmire NV