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Council on the Global Warming Issue Monday, June 16, 2008 JAPANESE

Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda held the 5th meeting of the Council on the Global Warming Issue at the Prime Minister's Office and received from Mr. Hiroshi Okuda, Chair of the Council, proposals for mid- and long-term countermeasures to global warming, among other measures. The proposals point to the importance of a global undertaking for reducing CO2 emissions in efforts to achieve a low-carbon society. It is also proposed that for its part, Japan must develop innovative technologies in a steady manner for the improvement of energy efficiency, in order to achieve the long-term goal by 2050, the target announced by Prime Minister Fukuda. Also outlined in the proposals is the need for an ambitious mid-term goal that utilizes the sectoral approach, among other means, ensuring that the goal will be fair and effective. In its proposals, the Council also expressed their view that the global warming issue is an issue affecting the economic and social infrastructures such as the environment, resources, energy, food, water, and the structure of industry. As such, what is necessary is a comprehensive and long-term national strategy that envisages Japan as it should be in the 21st century coupled with the participation of each and every one of the people, which is essential if a low-carbon society is to be realized. Accordingly, the potential social cost must be shared fairly and broadly among the people. Receiving the proposals, Prime Minister Fukuda said, "I sincerely ask the members of the Council to make efforts to ensure that the people understand the importance, the significance, and the necessity of addressing the issue. On its part, the Government is committed to make its utmost efforts to tackle the issue." Related link: Proposal of the Council on the Global Warming Issue �`In pursuit of "Japan as a Low-Carbon Society"�`