Thirteen areas have been selected as models for their measures against global warming and urban heat island effects, the Urban Renaissance Headquarters of the Japanese Cabinet Secretariat announced on April 11, 2005. This decision was made through consultations involving local governments, the private sector, and the Urban Renaissance Working Group, which was established to realize a sustainable society.

The designated areas are implementing innovative initiatives for the environmental protection and energy savings in their urban renewal programs. Their achievements are expected to help Japan achieve the goals of the Kyoto Protocol. Taking various intensive environmental measures, the areas aim to stimulate the economy as well as improve the environment through their urban policies. The Urban Renaissance Working Group will evaluate those achievements and review the measures on a timely basis.

The designated areas are in 10 urban regions, including the central part of Sapporo City (Hokkaido); the central part of the Tokyo metropolis; the central part and the Kanazawa area of Yokohama City (Kanagawa Prefecture); the area around Nagoya Station in Nagoya City (Aichi Prefecture); the area around Osaka Station in Osaka City (Osaka Prefecture); the central part of Suzaki City (Kochi Prefecture); and the Kokura, Kurosaki and Dokai Bay areas of Kitakyushu City (Fukuoka Prefecture).



Posted: 2005/07/16 02:30:30 PM
Japanese version

TAG Global warming , Government , Local government