Public Says Japan Should Move Quickly on Climate Change

On November 9, 2009, the National Institute for Environmental Studies in Japan released the results of its public opinion poll, conducted between April and July, on the country's mid-term targets for greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction, which showed that awareness is high and the majority wants the government to take swift action on climate change.

Regarding the mid-term targets, announced by the former Prime Minister Aso administration in June 2009, 14.5 percent of respondents said they knew about the announcement and the figures, and 50.9 percent knew about it but did not remember the figures, which was more than the 30.7 percent who were unaware of the announcement or the figures.

In their responses to the question of how Japan should react to climate change, 42.6 percent said they thought it is a serious issue and swift action needs to be taken, while 32.0 percent responded that quick action is required regardless of the level of seriousness, revealing that more than 70 percent want prompt action to deal with climate change.

Asked about global responsibilities, 52.8 percent said that developing countries should also cut their GHG emissions, which exceeded the 17.5 percent who said that developed countries should bear the responsibility.

National Institute for Environmental Studies official website
http://www.nies.go.jp/

Posted: 2010/02/12 06:00:15 AM