JFS Newsletter No.88 (December 2009)

"Towards a Sustainable Japan -- Corporations at Work" (No. 86):
http://panasonic.net/ (English)

The overall intensity of society's response to environmental challenges today seems to have rapidly accelerated, and policies aimed at pursuing the dual goals of achieving a healthy ecology and economy are being vigorously promoted around the world. In concert with this trend, the consumer electronics industry is also undergoing significant changes.

JFS Newsletter No.88 (December 2009)

Hatchobaru Geothermal Power Plant (110MW, Kokonoe Town, Oita Prefecture)
Copyright: Prof. Sachio Ehara

Introduction

The temperature of the Earth's inner core is about 6,000 degrees Celsius (C) -- almost the same as the surface of the Sun -- and it is estimated that 99 percent of Earth's volume is at a temperature of more than 1,000 degrees. Thus, there is an enormous amount of geothermal energy in the planet's interior that could potentially be tapped; an obvious manifestation of this is the ongoing volcanic eruptions and hot springs found around the world. In light of the issues of global warming and energy problems, more effective use of geothermal power should be closely examined as a significant source of energy.

JFS Newsletter No.88 (December 2009)

JFS co-founder Junko Edahiro attended the First World Resources Forum
(WRF) in Davos, Switzerland from September 15 to 16, 2009. This article
introduces her presentation on a new economic framework as readers'
food for thought. Your comments and feedback are welcome!

JFS Newsletter No.87 (November 2009)
"Towards a Sustainable Japan -- Corporations at Work" (No. 85):
http://www.tokyo-gas.co.jp/index_e.html (English)

Copyright Tokyo Gas Co.

Japan depended on oil for nearly 80 percent of its energy supply until just before the "oil shock" of 1973. Since then, the proportion of oil supplying its energy dwindled, reaching around 50 percent in recent years as oil was replaced with natural gas and nuclear energy.

JFS Newsletter No.87 (November 2009)

From September 15 to 16, 2009, JFS co-founder Junko Edahiro attended the First World Resources Forum (WRF) in Davos, Switzerland. Through the Student Reporter program, the forum's foundation supported ten international students, who reported on the forum by live blogs on the Web. The WRF Student Reporters Blog covered workshop sessions, interviews with speakers and panelists.

Junko was invited to present a speech for these student reporters at a dinner on the evening before the forum. She spoke about what she believes everyone must do for the future of the world. Here, Junko shares her message, especially for younger readers of the JFS newsletter. But really, this message is for everyone!

JFS Newsletter No.87 (November 2009)

Since July 2009 JFS has hosted a Chinese intern student for six months.Taking this as an opportunity to learn about the current situation ofenvironmental protection in China, we asked him for a report on Chineseenvironmental NGOs, their development and challenges. Here is his report.

The JFS newsletter, issued monthly, summarizes the latest environmental trends and topics in Japan.

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Back issues of JFS newsletter articles are categorized as follows:

- New Ideas for the Earth
- Climate Change Measures in Japan
- Energy Issues in Japan
- 3Rs Trends in Japan
- Local Efforts toward Sustainability
- Initiatives by Japanese Industries
- Various Actors / Various Efforts
- Trends / Movements toward Sustainability in Japan
- Movements in Asia

- Series: Environmental Education
- Series: Zero Emissions
- Series: Initiatives and Achievements of Local Governments in Japan
- Series: Unique NGOs in Japan
- Series: Corporations at Work
- JFS activities

Back Issue List

JFS Newsletter No.86 (October 2009)

When the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) won an outright majority in Japan's 45th House of Representatives election on August 30, 2009, the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan (LDP) lost its place as the leading party in the national Diet for the first time since the party was established in 1955. For the first time since World War II, an opposition party won a single-party majority in a general election and caused a major shift in political power. New Prime Minster Yukio Hatoyama took office on September 16 after this landslide victory.