Japanese Environmental Policy
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Authors
Rieden, Daniel P.
Issue Date
1990
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
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.
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Description
ii, 67 p.
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