Yokohama Plans to Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions 30% by 2025

The city of Yokohama, in central Japan, aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions per capita by 30 percent from the 2004 level by 2025, and 60 percent by 2050, it announced in January 2008 in its action plan to promote actions and lifestyles that can help reverse global warming. It also includes a target to increase the use of renewable energy by more than ten times the 2004 level.

The plan's title, CO-DO30, represents three things. CO is an abbreviation for "carbon-off" (reduction of carbon dioxide emissions), DO stands for "DO take action to stop global warming," and the figure 30 indicates the reduction target of 30 percent. The plan also outlines courses of action in seven areas: citizens' lifestyles, businesses, buildings, transportation, energy, the urban environment and greenery, and the city's offices.

The plan includes establishing systems to evaluate and rate the energy efficiency of buildings, which will encourage more energy efficient buildings in urban planning. "Carbon offset games" are also being planned, in cooperation with local professional sports clubs, in a scheme that will allow people to offset greenhouse gas emissions related to sports matches by donating money for afforestation or energy conservation.

With these plans in place, the city intends to appeal to its citizens and all public and business entities, in recognition of the fact that it is incumbent on the city to set an example in addressing climate change and to further its efforts to ensure that measures are carried out effectively.



Posted: 2008/05/16 04:10:06 PM