Thursday, February 12, 2009

Council on the Global Warming Issue

Prime Minister Taro Aso held the 7th meeting of the Council on the Global Warming Issue at the Prime Minister's Office.

At the meeting, the Council discussed two points: options for a 2020 mid-term target and the experimental introduction of an integrated domestic market of emission trading. On the first point, the Mid-term Target Committee presented six options. It was decided to determine the mid-term target by June of this year after conducting a full-fledged analysis. On the second point, the status of applications by companies and others participating in the scheme was reported. The Council then discussed the procedures to follow, among other items.

In his address, Prime Minister Aso said, "A mid-term target involves two points. First, the target must meet the global standard. Second, it must be feasible. It is important that we have a national debate on various options presented by the Council. I expect a thorough analysis of options proposed today for the government to determine the target by June at the latest, and for the result of the analysis to be presented in a manner comprehensible to the people. It is significant that emission trading has started on an experimental basis after calls for the industrial sector to participate. I see it as positive that companies and others covering 70% of the industrial sector applied. With that in mind, I ask the Council to compile a proposal for improvement."