Results of the 19th Annual“Questionnaire on Environmental Problems and the Survival of Humankind”

REPORT

September 2010

Contents
Foreword......................................................................................................................................... 1
I. Facts about the 19th Annual “Questionnaire on Environmental ............................................. 2
Problems and the Survival of Humankind”
II. Summary of Questionnaire Results.......................................................................................... 3
III. Questionnaire Results............................................................................................................... 5
A. Repeat Topics.................................................................................................................... 5		
1. Awareness of the Crisis Facing Human Survival........................................................ 5
			 1.1 The Environmental Doomsday Clock................................................................. 5
			 1.2 Environmental Conditions of Concern................................................................ 7
		
2. Progress Towards Agenda 21...................................................................................... 8
B. Main Focus of the Current Year’s Questionnaire............................................................... 10		
3. Evaluating COP15
			 3.1 Evaluating COP15/The Copenhagen Accord and Its Effects............................ 10
			 3.2 The Conference Process at COP15................................................................... 13
		
4. The Outlook for COP16............................................................................................ 14		
5. Breach in Documents from Climate Research Institution......................................... 15
		
6. Comments on “Simultaneous Achievement of Emission Reductions....................... 16			 and Economic Growth in Developing Countries”
		
7. Expectation for the Convention on Biodiversity (COP10)........................................ 17
			 7.1 The Relationship Between People and Biodiversity......................................... 17
			 7.2 Expectations for the Convention on Biodiversity (COP10).............................. 19		
		 7.3 Items that Should be Addressed as Post-COP10 Objectives............................. 21
IV. Comments from Respondents ............................................................................................... 23
V. Data........................................................................................................................................ 35
VI. Questionnaire as Distributed to Respondents . ...................................................................... 42

Foreword

This report summarizes the results of this year’s “Questionnaire on Environmental Problems and the Survival of
Humankind,” a survey conducted annually by the Asahi Glass Foundation since 1992.
Eighteen years have already passed since the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Meanwhile, the seriousness of environmental problems has grown increasingly evident with the passing of each year. At COP15, which
was held in Copenhagen last year, there was progress in some areas like the addition of aid to developing countries and the clarification of an important goal to “limit the rise in Earth’s temperature within two degrees Celsius.” But other anticipated items, like an international agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and theformation of a future framework beyond the Kyoto Protocol were not accomplished, and it cannot be denied thatsuch results left many people concerned and disappointed.
In this year’s survey, the 19th, the questionnaire was designed to gauge the perceptions of environmental
experts from both governmental and private sector organizations around the world, about the progress of endeavors to solve various environmental problems and to highlight how those observations reflect regional characteristics. In addition to the issues addressed annually in the survey, including queries about the Environmental
Doomsday Clock and Agenda 21, the questionnaire this year also focused on “Evaluating COP15,” “The Outlook
for COP16,” and “Expectations for the Convention on Biodiversity (COP10).”Once again, the Foundation received thoughtful responses from countless environmentally conscious experts in the private and public sectors around the world. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to themfor taking the time to respond to the survey. In addition, we would like to express our profound appreciation toProfessor Akio Morishima, Special Research Advisor of the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, forcontinuing to provide invaluable advice at all stages of the project, from the initial survey design to the analysisof the results.
In closing, we appeal to readers of this report for advice on how to enhance the survey so that it can bemade more comprehensive and relevant in the future.

				Asahi Glass Foundation
September 20101

I. Facts about the 19th Annual “Questionnaire on Environmental
Problems and the Survival of Humankind”
Response period: Questionnaires were sent out in April 2010 with a return deadline of June 2010.
Questionnaire respondent pool: Environmental experts selected from members of government organizations,academic and research institutions, NGOs, and corporations (based on the Asahi Glass Foundation database).
Questionnaires mailed: 4,290
Questionnaires returned: 675
Response rate: 15.7%
Breakdown of respondents by region, gender, and occupational affiliation:
RegionNumber of responses
Percent of total
Developed Regions (Including Asian Four)		
473		
70.1
Japan		292		43.5United States & Canada		
28		
4.1
Western Europe		
55		
8.1
Asian Four (South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore)
98		
14.5
Developing Regions		
161		
23.9
Rest of Asia (Excluding Japan, Asia Four)		 114		
16.9
Latin America		
27		
4.0
Africa		20		
3.0
Others		40		
5.9
Oceania		13		
1.9
Eastern Europe & former Soviet Union		
21		
3.1
Middle East		
6		
0.9(Overseas Total)		 (383)		 (56.7)
Total		 675		 100.0

Gender					Male		
Female		No response		
Total		

538		
122		
15		
675

79.7
18.1
2.2
100.0

Occupational Affiliation						National government		Local government		
University or research institution		
Nongovernmental organization		Corporation		
Media		Others		No response		
Total		

48		
73		
143		
133		
127		
28		
119		
4		
675		

7.1
10.8
21.2
19.7
18.8
4.1
17.6
0.6
100.0

Notes: * In this report, “Asia” is all of Asia except Japan. Further, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore are classified as “Asian
Four.” Other Asian countries are classified as “Rest of Asia.”* Japan, United States & Canada, Western Europe, and Asian Four are classified as “developed region,” while Rest of Asia, Latin
America, and Africa are classified as “developing region,” and Oceania, Eastern Europe & former Soviet Union, and Middle East
are classified as “other regions.”* Unless otherwise noted, the questionnaire calculated as 100% the total number of responses received for questions where respondents were only asked to choose one item. For questions with multiple selections, the questionnaire calculated the percentages
based on the number of times a valid response was given.
* Figures have been rounded to the first or second decimal places.
* Each question was calculated based on the number of responses to that question and not the number of questionnaires that werereturned.

2

II. Summary of Questionnaire Results
A. Repeat Topics
1. Awareness of the Crisis Facing Human Survival (Question 1)
The Environmental Doomsday Clock• Overall, there were only minimal changes from the environmental doomsday clock from last year.
• The average time for all respondents was 9:19, a reversal of the needle from last year by 3 minutes.
• The average time for overseas respondents was 9:27, a 5-minute reversal from last year.
• The average time for Japanese respondents was 9:09, a 1-minute advancement of the needle from lastyear.
• In determining the time on the environmental doomsday clock, overall, respondents most frequently cited“global warming” as the main environmental condition of concern. This was followed by “water shortage,
food problems” and “deforestation, desertification, loss of biodiversity” at approximately the same levels.
This represents the same patterns as last year.

2. Progress Toward Agenda 21 (Question 2)
As in previous years, the questionnaire surveyed respondents about the 10 categories of the action plan as
outlined in Agenda 21.
• More than 50% of respondents indicated progress in the categories, “promotion of environmental education,” “activities by local governments and citizens’ groups,” “scientific/technological contributions,”“formation of recycling systems,” and “environmental measures by industry.” This trend is consistent withthe average of the last five years, with no significant changes.

B. Main Focus of the Current Year’s Questionnaire
3. Evaluating COP15 (Question 3)
Evaluating COP15/The Copenhagen Accord and Its Effects• Overall, those who selected “it cannot not be commended” significantly exceeded those who selected “itshould be commended,” at 60% and 34% respectively. Many respondents selected “the Copenhagen Accord and lacks legal enforceability” and “it failed to meet the international pledge made at COP 13” as theprimary reasons why “it cannot be commended,” revealing criticism for the conference’s failure to establish anticipated rules as well as its inability to enforce what was agreed upon.
The Conference Process at COP15• Overall, 42% of respondents selected “as participants diverge in a multi-polar world, unanimous consent
has reached its limits. A set of mechanisms and procedures to resolve differences, separate from the conventional COP procedures, need to be developed” followed by “there are parts of the operation of theconference that lack openness and transparency. The inability to gather sufficient information and communicate thoroughly fueled misunderstanding among participating countries” at 16%, resulting in morethan half of respondents expressing a critical view towards the conference process at COP15.

4. The Outlook for COP16 (Question 4)• Overall, those who selected “acceptance of international verification of reduction measures by high emitting developing countries like China and India” and “finalization and commitment to a midterm goal
among developed countries” combined totaled more than half of the responses, revealing an expectation
to make progress in managing emissions from major CO2 emitters.

5. Breach in Documents from Climate Research Institution (Question 5)• Overall, a majority of respondents indicated that their “understanding of climate change has not changed;
it has not been affected by the recent skepticism,” at 73%. On the other hand, respondents who selected“I have believed in the veracity of climate change, but have become slightly skeptical” numbered 20%,
revealing that even among experts, some were affected by the incident and grew skeptical.

3

6. C
 omments on “Simultaneous Achievement of Emission Reductions and Economic Growth in Developing Countries” (Question 6)• Four hundred and thirty-four comments from respondents in 64 countries are introduced in the ExhibitA.

7. Expectations for the Convention on Biodiversity (COP10) (Question 7)
The Relationship Between People and Biodiversity• To organize the items, “conservation and rehabilitation of biodiversity through protecting species andecosystems,” “establishment of an international framework to protect and monitor biodiversity,” “reconstruction of traditional, harmonious relationships between people and biodiversity,” and “containment ofactivities that affect biodiversity like hunting, logging, fishing, and gathering” all belong to a category ofmanaging, nurturing, and conserving ecosystems. Overall, respondents chose these items combined at
73%, amounting to a dominant majority.
• The remaining items, including the “sustainable expansion of uses of biodiversity like forests and oceans,”“food supply expansion through means like intensive agriculture and poverty reduction,” “developmentof technology and products based on the characteristics of species, like bio-mimicry,” and the “use ofgenetically modified organisms” are all related to the uses of biodiversity. Respondents selected these
items at a lesser rate, comprising a minority of the responses.
Expectations for the Convention on Biodiversity (COP10)• Overall, the selections by respondents exhibited an extremely broad distribution with few anomalies. On
the other hand, individual regions made selections that were unique to that area. When comparing developed regions, other regions, and developing regions, while 16% of respondents in developed regions selected “acceleration of specific discussions about biodiversity protection measures,” the same was true of
only 10% of respondents from the remaining regions. On the other hand, respondents in developing regions selected “establishment of legal regulations to protect the rights of the country of origin of genetic
resources as well as the accurate and equitable distribution of profits and technology gained through theiruse” and “similar to the treatment of climate change, the introduction of a political decision making process at the heads-of-state level at the Convention on Biodiversity like those at G-8 summits” at 4 – 6
percentage points higher than respondents in developed regions.
Items that Should be Addressed as Post-COP10 Objectives• Overall, respondents selected “fundamentally halt biodiversity loss by making it a primary concern ofsociety” and “reduce direct pressures on biodiversity like deforestation and overexploitation of natural
resources, and promote its sustainable use” at 28% and 27% respectively, with the two items comprisingmore than half of the responses. This was followed by “improve the rehabilitation of ecosystems andenhance their capabilities” and “promote biodiversity conservation and its sustainable use, and the fair andequitable distribution of profits from the use of genetic resources through establishing an internationalframework” at around 18%. Lastly, “protect at minimum 15% of land and water deemed significant forbiodiversity” was selected by 11% of respondents.
• Respondents in developing regions selected “promote biodiversity conservation and its sustainable use,
and the fair and equitable distribution of profits from the use of genetic resources through establishing aninternational framework” at 22%, 7 percentage points higher than respondents in developed regions.

4III. Questionnaire Results
A. REPEAT TOPICS
1. AWARENESS OF THE CRISIS FACING HUMAN SURVIVAL (QUESTION 1)
1.1 The Environmental Doomsday Clock
To what extent do you feel that the current deterioration of the global environment has created a crisis that willaffect the survival of the human race? Write a time within the range 0:01 to 12:00 corresponding to the extent of
your concern in the boxes below.
Concern about Human Survival Prospects
9:01 – 12:00
Extremely concerned

0:01 – 3:00
Barely concerned

12(-3 minutes)

2010

9

1996

(+84 min.)

12
9

2000

(-17 min.)

12
3

9

9

3:01 – 6:00
Slightly concerned

2004(+12 min.)12
3[N=663]

6

6:01 – 9:00
Fairly concerned

1992

9:19

3

2006

(+9 min.)123

9(+16 min.)

2008

9

12

12

12
3

2009

(-11 min.)

3

33

9

9

3

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

7:49

9:13

8:56

9:08

9:17

9:33

9:22

[N=1,054][N=589][N=643][N=776][N=638][N=706][N=746]

Changes in average timeby region

Changes in time from year to year

Number of
respondents(2010)
		

2000

Total

663

8:56

Japan

288

8:56

United States & Canada

27

8:49

Western Europe

53

8:46

Asia

210

9:16

Asian Four98＊

Rest of Asia

112

Latin America

27

＊
8:52

Africa19

9:17

Oceania
EasternEurope&		
former Soviet Union
Middle East

13

8:31

19

8:21

6

9:38

Overseas Total

375

8:56

Male

528

8:52

Female120

9:10

Developed Regions

466＊

Developing Regions

158＊

Others

38

＊

→
→
→
→
→
→
→
→
→
→
→
→
→
→
→
→
→
→
→

2009
9:22
9:08
10:01
9:55
9:04
9:27
8:51
9:28
10:15
10:10
10:00
9:42
9:32
9:21
9:26
9:21
9:12
10:02

→
→
→
→
→
→
→
→
→
→
→
→
→
→
→
→
→
→
→

2010

2000 → 2010 2009 → 2010

9:19

+23

-3

9:09

+13

+1

10:13

+84

+12

9:45

+59

-10

9:01

-15

-3

9:28

＊

+1

8:37

-14

9:48

＊
+56

+20

10:24

+67

+9

10:29

+118

+19

9:47

+86

-13

10:47

+69

+65

9:27

+31

-5

9:18

+26

-3

9:21

+11

-5

9:21

＊

+0

9:02

＊

-10		

10:10

＊

+8

(Red indicates the advancement in time from last year; green indicates a reversal)• The average time on the environmental doomsday clock for all respondents was 9:19, representing a 3-minute reversal fromlast year.
• The average time for overseas respondents retreated 5 minutes from last year, to 9:27.
• The average time for Japanese respondents advanced 1 minute to 9:09.
5

• Respondents in Western Europe, Eastern Europe & former Soviet Union, and Rest of Asia marked 9:45, 9:47,
and 8:37 respectively, representing a 10 – 14 minute reversal from last year. On the other hand, respondents in
the remaining regions indicated a 10 – 20 minute advancement of the environmental doomsday clock.
• The average for developed regions remained the same as last year at 9:21, whereas the average time for developing regions retreated by 10 minutes to 9:02.

Changes in the Environmental Doomsday Clock1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Total

7:49

8:19

8:47

8:49

9:13

9:04

9:05

9:08

8:56

9:08

9:05

9:15

9:08

9:05

9:17

9:31

9:33

9:22

9:19

Japan

7:38

7:33

8:01

8:08

8:51

8:42

9:01

9:07

8:56

9:04

9:18

9:20

9:06

9:07

9:15

9:34

9:42

9:08

9:09

Overseas

8:44

8:33

9:16

9:22

9:34

9:27

9:09

9:10

8:56

9:11

8:51

9:12

9:09

9:04

9:19

9:28

9:26

9:32

9:27

Overseas - Japan(min.)

66

60

75

74

43

45

8

3

0

7

-27

-8

3

-3

4

-6

-16

24

18

(The time marked in blue represents the lowest sense of crisis since the inception of the survey in 1992; the red marks the highest.)

10:00
9:30

Extremely
concerned

9:00
Fairlyconcerned

8:30
8:00
7:30

Total
Japan
Overseas

1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Regional Times

Eastern Europe &former Soviet Union
9:47

United States& Canada

Western Europe

9:45

10:13

Asia

(except Japan)

Middle East

10:47

9:01

Japan

9:09

AfricaLatin America

10:24
Oceania

9:48

10:29

(Red indicates the advancement in time from last year; green indicates a reversal)

61.2 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS OF CONCERN
When you selected the time above, what were the main environmental conditions about which you were concerned?
Please select up to three (3) of the following items of concern.
Environmental Conditions of Concern in Determining the Doomsday Clock Time for 2010
s

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63

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Jap Un We As
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p

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ve
De

General environmental problems 12

8

8

8

7

9

11

8

13

6

8

10

8

10

10

Global warming 21

19

22

26

19

19

16

24

10

33

21

22

18

18

21

7

10

14

14

21

15

18

13

19

17

16

9

20

17

12

Water shortage, food problems 20

14

14

17

14

10

18

13

13

6

15

18

13

12

17

13

18

21

19

17

19

16

10

11

18

19

18

12

18

13

8

5

14

12

9

3

21

11

10

6

13

13

8

3

3

3

3

5

2

3

6

6

3

5

3

5

4

Air pollution, water contamination,
river/ocean pollution

Deforestation, desertification, 19
loss of biodiversity
People's lifestyles, 6
waste-related problems
Environmental problems and economics/ 6
trade-related activities
Population, poverty, status of women

7

13

10

3

4

10

5

18

10

11

7

7

5

13

7

Others

2

8

3

1

1

3

4

3

0

0

2

2

1

1

2

(%)

■ :Answer with the highest number of replies ■ :Answer with second highest number of replies

Notes: The % refers to the total number of valid responses while excluding any unknowns. The total is to be 100%.

• In determining the time on the environmental doomsday clock, “global warming” was most frequently cited as
the main environmental condition of concern by respondents overall. This was followed by “water shortage, foodproblems” and “deforestation, desertification, loss of biodiversity” at approximately the same levels. This represents the same patterns as last year.
• An analysis of the three categories above by region shows that respondents in developed and developing regions
selected “deforestation, desertification, loss of biodiversity” at high percentages, at slightly under 20%, but
stagnated in other regions at 12%. Respondents in Japan, Africa, and Asian Four also displayed conspicuously
high levels of concern for “water shortage, food problems” at slightly under 20%.
• Similar to last year, respondents in developing regions and other regions displayed a high level of concern for“air pollution, water contamination, river/ocean pollution” at 20% and 17% respectively. On the other hand, only
9% of respondents in developed regions made this selection. Respondents in Eastern Europe & former Soviet
Union selected “lifestyle alteration” at a high level, at 21%.

7

2. PROGRESS TOWARD AGENDA 21 (QUESTION 2)
Eighteen years have passed since Agenda 21 was adopted as an “action plan for the environment and development”
at the Earth Summit in 1992. Please indicate the progress made in your country in the past year for the following
10 categories taken from the Agenda 21 action plan.
Comparison of Perceived Progress Between 2010 and the Average of 2005 – 2009

[21]

rn

ste

Ea

id

M

[6]

ast

E
dle

s
sea

ion

Un

l

ta
To

l

er
Ov

ta
To

[383]

[675]

Averageof ’05-’09

[13]

Oc

ro
Eu

Averageof ’05-’09

[20]

ea

nia

Averageof ’05-’09

[27]

&

pe

Averageof ’05-’09[114]

Averageof ’05-’09

[98]

A

Averageof ’05-’09

[55]

ca
a
eri
ur f Asi
m
o
A
a
nF to
tin
ric
sia ResLa
Af
Averageof ’05-’09[28]

Averageof ’05-’09

Averageof ’05-’09

2010 →[292]
2005 →

Averageof ’05-’09

an

Jap

&

Averageof ‘05-’09

pe
uro
E
rn
d
ia
ste
ite
e
n
As
U
W
es

t
Sta

Averageof ’05-’09

da

na

Ca

r et
me ovifor S↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓

↓ ↓

↓ ↓

Promotion of environmental
73 71 64 75 75 81 59 58 81 82 89 78 65 73 69 92 71 75 33 86
education

71 77

72 75

Activities by local govern70 65 79 85 82 75 47 59 62 63 78 70 50 53 85 88 76 57 33 77
ments and citizens' groups

64 68

67 67

Scientific and technological
74 70 75 82 71 72 44 48 50 62 48 46 55 40 62 72 62 55 17 45
contributions

54 61

63 65

Environmental measures by
67 62 39 57 55 69 34 45 46 45 56 50 35 35 54 51 33 49 50 66
industry

43 52

54 56

Formation of recycling systems 65 62 71 76 75 75 32 55 39 41 44 44 25 26 62 81 43 40 50 60

45 55

54 58

Greenhouse gas prevention
37 29 21 16 51 46 33 29 35 35 37 27 40 26 31 26 33 36 33 45
measures

36 34

36 32

Conservation of forest
17 13 32 39 44 55 15 32 37 50 56 43 55 47 62 56 38 34 17 38
resources

35 46

27 31

Conservation of biodiversity 11 10 29 28 42 43 15 29 35 48 37 41 45 50 54 58 67 43 33 50

34 42

24 28

Lifestyle alteration 18 14 14 10 15 15 26 30 31 32 11 11 10 16 31 18 19 17 50 25

23 21

21 18

30 33

20 21

Population and poverty
7
problems

7

18 15 15 23 17 23 49 54 30 25 50 35 31 30 29 23 33 38

Average= the average of data compiled over the period of five years between ’05 and ‘09

As in previous years, we polled respondents about the progress they felt had been achieved in 10 categories takenfrom the Agenda 21 action plan. The results are listed in the chart in descending order, starting with categories withthe greatest number of responses indicating “progress” (combining “significant progress” and “some progress”).
• More than 50% of respondents indicated progress in the categories, “promotion of environmental education,”“activities by local governments and citizens’ group,” “scientific and technological contributions,” “formationof recycling systems,” and “environmental measures by industry.” In other categories as well, 20 – 30% of respondents indicated progress, following the same trend as the average of the last five years without a significant
change.
• By region, Africa and Rest of Asia had high percentages of respondents indicating progress in “population andpoverty problems” at 50% and 49% respectively. On the other hand, Japan had the lowest percentage of all regions, at 7%.

8

Comparison of Differences Between Progress Made in 2010 and the Average of 2005 – 2009

Jap

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rmUnio
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f
& iet
Ca
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idd
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ati
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f
ce
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M
T
R
L
E
A
O
A
O
W
U

Greenhouse gas prevention measures

8

5

5

4

0

10

14

5

-3

-11

2

5

Lifestyle alteration

4

4

0

-5

-1

0

-6

13

2

25

2

3

Activities by local governments andcitizens' groups

4

-7

7

-12

-1

8

-3

-3

20

-43

-4

-1

Population and poverty problems

0

2

-9

-6

-5

4

15

1

5

-4

-3

-1

Scientific and technologicalcontributions

5

-7

-1

-4

-12

2

15

-11

7

-28

-7

-2

Promotion of environmental
education

2

-11

-7

1

-1

11

-8

-23

-4

-52

-6

-3

Environmental measures by industry

6

-18

-15

-11

1

6

0

3

-15

-16

-9

-3

Conservation of forest resources

3

-7

-11

-17

-14

13

8

6

4

-21

-11

-4

Conservation of biodiversity

1

0

-1

-14

-13

-4

-5

-4

23

-17

-9

-4

Formation of recycling systems

2

-5

-1

-24

-3

1

-1

-20

3

-10

-10

-5

a

d
na

an

(%)

Difference=2010-(Average of ’05 ~’09)• When comparing this year’s results with the average of the past five years by category, the degree of progress
was greater this year overall in two categories, “greenhouse gas prevention measures” and “lifestyle alteration.”On the other hand, the level of progress declined in the other 8 categories, indicating a general stagnation inprogress.
• Respondents reported progress in “greenhouse gas prevention measures” with the exception of Middle East,
Eastern Europe & former Soviet Union, and Rest of Asia.
• “Lifestyle alteration” saw a reversal in progress only in Asian Four, Rest of Asia, and Africa.
• Progress was generally seen across the categories in Japan, Latin America, and Eastern Europe & former Soviet
Union. On the other hand, a decline in progress was evident in Asian Four, Rest of Asia, and Middle East.

9B. MAIN FOCUS OF THE CURRENT YEAR’S QUESTIONNAIRE
3. EVALUATING COP15 (QUESTION 3)
COP15, held last year in Denmark, was seen as an important barometer for the path of future international cooperation. In addition to the increased presence of high greenhouse gas emitting countries like the United States,
China, and India, there were several new developments at the conference. The conference concluded with an agreement by the participants to “take note” of The Copenhagen Accord, a statement of intention including an overall
goal to limit global warming to two degrees.
3-1. Evaluating COP15/The Copenhagen Accord and Its Effects
Given such results, how do you evaluate COP15? Please select either “it should be commended” or “it cannot becommended” and select two items from the list that best reflects your rationale.

Overall
6%

34%

60%

Cannot be commended

Should be commended

Unknown

Asian Four

71

27

Oceania69

23

8Western Europe

69

20

11

Middle East

67

33

63

Latin America
E. Europe &former Soviet Union
Japan

11

62

26
24

58

U.S.A. & Canada

54

Rest of Asia

51

0

20

14
39

3

39

7

39

45

Africa

2

10

50
40

60

5
80

100 (%)• Overall, 60% of respondents selected “it cannot be commended,” with those who selected “it should be commended” stagnating at 34%.
• By region, slightly under 40% of respondents in Japan, the United States & Canada, and Rest of Asia selected“it should be commended,” representing a higher percentage relative to other regions. Africa was the only regionin which 50% of respondents selected “it should be commended,” exceeding the 45% who selected “it cannot becommended.”10

3-1-1 Reasons COP15 “Should Be Commended”

Overall

10%

Emission reduction by developing countries like China & India was discussed
28%

15%

A basis for CO2 reduction schemes was created with major economies
including U.S. and China
Clarification of goals

21%

Addition of aid to developing countries

26%

International verification of emission reductions

Western Europe

38

Japan

36

Latin America

33

Oceania

33

29

17

19

0

15

10

23
25

12

17

25
20

13
25

26

29
25

Middle East

20

38

21

25
40

60

7

33
15

30

15

Asian Four

17

25

20

Rest of Asia

10
10
17

35

25

Africa

14

20
50

30

U.S.A. & Canada
E. Europe &former Soviet Union

10

27

13
25

80

100 (%)• Respondents favorably evaluated COP15 for providing an opening to emission reduction among high CO2 emitting countries. “emission reduction by developing countries like China and India was discussed” and “a basis forCO2 reduction schemes was created with major economies including U.S. and China” were the most frequently
selected items, at 28% and 26% respectively.
• “Clarification of goals” was frequently selected by respondents in Eastern Europe & former Soviet Union, at
38%. It was also often selected in Asia, at more than 20%. On the other hand, 0% of respondents in Latin
America and Oceania made this selection.
• Fifty percent of respondents in Latin America selected “addition of aid to developing countries” as a reason
COP15 “should be commended.” Elsewhere, this item was only selected by 10 – 20% of respondents.
• “International verification of emission reductions” was selected most frequently by respondents in Oceania at
33%, with the opposite result in the United States & Canada at 0%.

11

3-1-2 Reasons COP15 “Cannot Be Commended”

Overall9%

Copenhagen Accord lacks legal enforceability

10%

Failed to meet international pledge to formulate a post-2012 framework

34%

Copenhagen Accord lacks transparency, impartiality, fairness

12%

Goal to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius is insufficient13%

Did not reflect the diverse opinions of the 192 participating countries

23%

Reduced effectiveness without international verification of developing countries

50

Middle East
Western Europe

40

Asian Four

38

U.S.A. & Canada

36

Rest of Asia

35

Latin America

33

Japan
E. Europe &former Soviet Union

33

13

Oceania

11
0

25

31

7

20

11
29

4

22

12

17

25

6

40

14

11

7

10

10
17

21

13
6

28
60

10

13

19
11

4
8

15

13
25

39
20

7

7
10

13

21
13

11

14

11

30

25

Africa

25

13
11

80

100 (%)• Overall, the largest percentage of respondents selected “Copenhagen Accord lacks legal enforceability” at 34%,
followed by “failed to meet the international pledge to formulate a post-2012 framework” at 23%.
Further, an additional 9% of respondents selected “reduced effectiveness without international verification ofdeveloping countries.” In total, opinions criticizing problems in the legality of the agreement exceeded 60% of
responses.
• In Oceania, “failed to meet the international pledge to formulate a post-2012 framework” and “goal to limit
global warming to 2 degrees Celsius is insufficient” comprised 39% and 28% of the responses respectively,
representing the largest percentages regionally.

123-2 The Conference Process at COP15
At COP15, opinions diverged along multi-polar lines, clustering into developed countries, BRICs (Brazil, Russia,
India, China), developing countries, and others. At the same time, without unanimous approval, the Copenhagen
Accord lacks legal enforceability, exposing its limits. Please select one item from the following list that best reflects
your opinion.

Overall

11%

3 3
%%

Unanimous consensus has reached limits; new mechanisms and procedures
are needed
Can be commended as starting point for future international discussions
Inability to gather sufficient information fueled misunderstanding among participants

42%

15%

Unanimous consensus should be maintained
Other

25%

Unknown

Latin America

48

Japan

48

27

8

U.S.A. & Canada

46

29

7

Asian Four

44

17

Western Europe

44

20

38

Oceania20

17

Middle East
0

13

3 1

7

7
10

4

5

1 4
5

15
33

60

8

11

33

2

15
8

30

40

11

4

22

33
20

4

15

29

25

Africa

13

32

29

4

27

31

31

Rest of Asia
E. Europe &former Soviet Union

15

19

5
10

17
80

100 (%)• Overall, 42% of respondents selected “unanimous consensus has reached limits; new mechanisms and procedures are needed” followed by “inability to gather sufficient information fueled misunderstanding among participants” at 15%, resulting in more than half of respondents expressing a critical view towards the conference
process at COP15.
• Twenty five percent of respondents selected “can be commended as starting point for future international discussions.” 11% selected “unanimous consensus should be maintained.” These two resulted in a total of 36% ofrespondents overall supporting the current conference process.
• Regionally, respondents from Eastern Europe & former Soviet Union, Middle East, and Africa selected “inability to gather sufficient information fueled misunderstanding among participants” at relatively high levels, atmore than 30%.

13

4. THE OUTLOOK FOR COP 16 (QUESTION 4)
COP16, scheduled to take place in Mexico this December, will be closely watched for whether or not a consensus
will arise on a future framework to counter global warming, as well as its implementation and aid. Please selecttwo items from the following list that best reflects your barometer for the success of COP16.

Overall
6%
Acceptance of international verification by developing countries like China and India

14%

Finalization of midterm goal by developed countries

31%

Establishment of aid for developing countries to counter global warming
23%

Establishment of mechanisms like carbon taxes, emissions trading, other schemes(including REDD and NAMAs)

26%

Gathering of diverse opinions including G-77 and island nations

42

Japan
Oceania36

E. Europe &former Soviet Union
Western Europe

35
29

Africa27

Asian Four

27

26

Latin America

9Middle East

8
0

35

15

8

26

26

33

13

22

42

25
60

5

18
18

30

40

8

22

24

30

20

8

19

30

13

Rest of Asia

4

23

29

5

24

15

30
8

9

12

20

24

U.S.A. & Canada

18

24

9
9

17
80

4

8
100 (%)• Overall, respondents selected “acceptance of international verification of developing countries like China andIndia” and “finalization of midterm goal by developed countries” at 31% and 26% respectively, resulting in morethan half of the respondents pointing to an indication of progress in managing emissions from major CO2 emitters.
• By region, respondents in Middle East led the selection of “finalization of midterm goal by developed countries”
at 42%, followed by Latin America, the United States & Canada, and Western Europe at 30% each. On theother hand, only 8% of respondents in Africa made this selection, revealing low expectations. Respondents inJapan led the selection of “acceptance of international verification of developing countries like China and India”
at 42%, followed by Oceania and Eastern Europe & former Soviet Union around 35%, and Western Europe,
Asian Four, and Africa at slightly less than 30%. On the other hand, respondents in Rest of Asia, which includes
China and India, made this selection at a low rate, at 13%, with the rates in Latin America and Middle East evenlower, at less than 9%.
• Respondents in Africa, Rest of Asia, and Latin America selected “establishment of aid for developing countries
to counter global warming” at more than 30%, revealing a relatively high level of expectations.
• The item “establishment of mechanisms like carbon taxes, emissions trading, and other schemes” was selected
at relatively high percentages by respondents in Oceania, Eastern Europe & former Soviet Union, Africa, andLatin America, with each at more than 20%. On the other hand, expectations to accomplish this item remained
fairly low in Western Europe, at 15%. They were also relatively low in Asian Four and Japan, at 13% and 9%
respectively.

14

5. BREACH IN DOCUMENTS FROM CLIMATE RESEARCH INSTITUTION (QUESTION 5)
Immediately preceding COP15 last year, emails and documents from the Climatic Research Unit of the University of East Anglia in England were breached, leading global warming skeptics to flood climate scientists withmessages alleging their global warming data were fraudulent. Following the incident, leaders including United
Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, British Prime Minister Gorden Brown, and White House Press Secretary
Robert Gibbs issued statements maintaining that their stance on the facts of global warming had not changed.
Please select one item from the following list that best reflects your opinion.
Overall
2% 2%Understanding of climate change unchanged; unaffected by skepticism

3%

Believed in climate change but became slightly skeptical20%

Not aware of controversy
No longer believe in climate change

73%

Unknown

100

Oceania1185

Latin America

1075

AfricaWestern Europe

78

Asian Four

78

20

2

5
2

21
27

48
0

5

20

61

Rest of Asia

10
15

72

Japan

4

17

83

Middle East

E. Europe &former Soviet Union

4

96

U.S.A. & Canada

4

48
40

60

3 21
6

2
5

80

100 (%)• Overall, the majority of respondents indicated that their “understanding of climate change unchanged; unaffected by skepticism,” at 73%. On the other hand, respondents who selected “believed in climate change but
became slightly skeptical” numbered 20%, revealing that even among experts, some were affected by the incident and grew skeptical.
• Respondents in Oceania, the United States & Canada, Latin America, and Middle East were completely unaffected by the incident. No respondents from those regions selected “believed in climate change but have becameslightly skeptical” or “no longer believe in climate change.”• By region, respondents in Eastern Europe & former Soviet Union led the selection of “believed in climate change
but became slightly skeptical” at 48%. This was followed by Rest of Asia at 27%, Japan and Asian Four at approximately 20%, Western Europe at 15%, and Africa at 10%. In Eastern Europe & former Soviet Union, Restof Asia, and Japan, approximately 4% of respondents selected “no longer believe in climate change.”15

6. Comments on “Simultaneous Achievement of Emission Reductions and Economic Growth in Developing Countries” (Question 6)
Emission reductions by developed countries are indispensable to protect the global environment. However, alongside those efforts, emission reductions by developing countries (especially high CO2 emitting developing countries
like China and India) have surfaced as an important area to address. In order to attain this outcome, the simultaneous achievement of emissions reductions and economic growth for developing countries (especially high CO2
emitting developing countries like China and India) has become an unavoidable obstacle. Please provide yourthoughts about the possibility of attaining this outcome, and how it might be achieved.

We requested respondents to provide their opinions on a specific subject for the first time since the inception ofthis survey in 1992. We received valuable opinions from 228 respondents in 63 countries overseas as well as from206 respondents in Japan, for a total of 434 comments. We would like to share these opinions, on the difficult
subject of “simultaneous achievement of emission reductions and economic growth in developing countries,” inExhibit A.

16

7. THE OUTLOOK FOR COP10 (QUESTION 7)
7-1 The Relationship Between People and Biodiversity
At COP10, scheduled for this October in Nagoya, Japan, participants will discuss strategies related to biodiversity.
Central to these strategies will be the consideration for the relationship between people and biodiversity. What do
you think are the most important factors that could affect the relationship between people and biodiversity? Please
select three items from the following list that best reflects your opinion.
(There is a possibility that respondents construed this question differently due to the tendency for the material to be overly technical. Therefore, we have
withheld our own interpretation when the results showed very slight discrepancies.)

Relationship Between People and Biodiversity—Overall

Overall

23

18

Developed
Regions24

19

Developing
Regions

20

15

Other
Regions

18

19

0

20

18

14

18

16

18
40

15

13

8

15

3 2

7

31

17

15

9

5

3

12

18

9

4

4

60

80

100 (%)

Conservation and rehabilitation of biodiversity through protecting species and ecosystems
Establishment of international framework to monitor biodiversity
Reconstruction of traditional, harmonious relationships between people and biodiversity
Contain use of biodiversity like hunting, logging, fishing, gathering
Sustainable expansion of uses of biodiversity like forests and oceans
Food supply expansion and poverty reduction by means like intensive agriculture
Development of technology and products based on characteristics of species like bio mimicry
Use of genetically modified organisms• To organize the items, “conservation and rehabilitation of biodiversity through protecting species and ecosystems,” “establishment of an international framework to monitor biodiversity,” “reconstruction of traditional,
harmonious relationships between people and biodiversity,” and “contain use of biodiversity like hunting, logging, fishing, gathering” all belong to a category of managing, nurturing, and conserving ecosystems. Overall,
respondents chose these items at a combined 73%, amounting to a predominant majority.
• The remaining items, including the “sustainable expansion of uses of biodiversity like forests and oceans,” “foodsupply expansion and poverty reduction by means like intensive agriculture” “development of technology andproducts based on characteristics of species like bio mimicry,” and “use of genetically modified organisms” areall related to the uses of biodiversity. Respondents selected these items at a lesser rate, comprising a minority of
the responses.
• Overall, the majority of responses in each region fell into the category of “managing, nurturing, and conserving
ecosystems,” revealing a lower level of recognition for the “uses of biodiversity” as an important factor in therelationship between people and biodiversity.
• Respondents in developing regions selected “contain use of biodiversity like hunting, logging, fishing, gathering” at 17%, representing the highest percentage among all regions and a high interest in management andcontainment.

17

Relationship Between People and Biodiversity—By region

Developed
Regions

Developing
Regions

U.S.A. & Canada

26

Asian Four

26

16

19

16

14

Western Europe

23

21

15

18

11

Japan

24

18

18

18

18

21

Latin America

17

20

15

21

Oceania26

Middle East
E. Europe &former Soviet Union

25
14
0

13

6

16
20

24
40

3

4

7

11

7

3 2

17

8

31

19

12

9

4

14

17
8

9

11

15

16
21
13

12

18

AfricaRest of Asia
OthersRegions

28

15
21

19

8
19

7

4

9

6

11

3 3

6

24
60

10

6
9

4
2

6
3 3

80

100 (%)

Conservation and rehabilitation of biodiversity through protecting species and ecosystems
Establishment of international framework to monitor biodiversity
Reconstruction of traditional, harmonious relationships between people and biodiversity
Contain use of biodiversity like hunting, logging, fishing, gathering
Sustainable expansion of uses of biodiversity like forests and oceans
Food supply expansion and poverty reduction by means like intensive agriculture
Development of technology and products based on characteristics of species like bio mimicry
Use of genetically modified organisms• Respondents from the United States & Canada, Asian Four, and Oceania selected “conservation and rehabilitation of biodiversity through protecting species and ecosystems” at a high percentage, at 26% each. This wasfollowed by Japan, Western Europe, and Rest of Asia, where respondents selected this option in the 20%
range.
• Respondents from the United States & Canada selected the “establishment of an international framework tomonitor biodiversity” at a high rate, at 28%. This was followed by Western Europe, Oceania, and Latin America
at more than 20%.
• In Eastern Europe & former Soviet Union and Africa, respondents most frequently selected the “reconstructionof traditional, harmonious relationships between people and biodiversity” at 24% and 21% respectively. On theother hand, this selection was made by a low percentage of respondents in Oceania and Middle East, at 8% and
6% respectively.
• “Sustainable expansion of the uses of biodiversity like forests and oceans” was selected at a high percentage by
respondents in Eastern Europe & former Soviet Union and Middle East, at 24% and 19% respectively. On theother hand, respondents in Oceania and the United States & Canada made this selection at a low rate, at 8% and
9% respectively.
• Respondents in Oceania, Africa, Middle East, and Western Europe selected the “contain use of biodiversity likehunting, logging, fishing, gathering” at a relatively high rate, around 20%. On the other hand, the rate remained
low for this item in Eastern Europe & former Soviet Union at 7%.
• The response rate for  “food supply expansion and poverty reduction by means like intensive agriculture” did
not exceed 11% in any of the regions. Similarly, the response rates for “development of technology and products
based on the characteristics of species like bio mimicry,” and “use of genetically modified organisms” remained
low in the majority of regions and countries, ranging from 0 – 6%.

18

7-2 Expectations for COP10
What do you expect to be the potential areas that could develop as a result of the momentum from the Convention
on Biodiversity (COP10) this year? Please select three items from the following list that best reflects your opinion.

Expectations for COP10—Overall

Overall14

Developed
Regions

16

14

14

14

13

10

10

9

7

7

13

14

9

10

11

8

6

OthersRegions

10

15

15

14

13

11

Developing
Regions

10

15

15

12

15

10

0

20

40

60

8

7

5

10

7

10

80

100 (%)

Acceleration of specific discussions about biodiversity protection
Strengthen cooperation between policy and the science of biodiversity
Expansion of school education and press coverage to encourage interest in biodiversity
Further linkages between biodiversity protection and climate change initiatives
Establishment of legal regulations to protect the rights of the country of origin of genetic resources
Advancement of international discussions on sustainable agriculture and fisheries grounded in traditions
Advancement of ecosystems monitoring and the expansion of international information sharing
Biodiversity considerations becomes more pervasive in corporate activities
Introduction of political process at the heads-of-state level at the Convention on Biodiversity• Overall, no category dominated the responses. Respondents selected the three items, “acceleration of specificdiscussions about biodiversity protection,” “strengthen cooperation between policy and the science of biodiversity,” and “expansion of school education and press coverage to encourage interest in biodiversity” at 14% each,“further linkages between biodiversity protection and climate change initiatives” at 13%, and the remaining 5
items at 7 – 10% each.
• Differences emerged when comparing developed, developing, and other regions. While 16% of respondents indeveloped regions selected “acceleration of specific discussions about biodiversity protection,” only 10% of
respondents from the remaining regions made this selection.
• Respondents in developing regions  who selected “establishment of legal regulations to protect the rights of thecountry of origin of genetic resources” reached 15%, indicating a stronger interest in the issue compared to developed regions where 9% of the respondents made this selection.
• In developing regions, respondents who selected “introduction of political process at the heads-of-state level at
the Convention of Biodiversity” reached 10%, 4 percentage points higher than developed regions.
• The results revealed some discrepancy in awareness among regions, with developed regions wanting to firstadvance the discussion about biodiversity protection, and developing regions seeking the clarification of rights
of genetic and other resources as well as substantive progress in biodiversity strategies (political decision making
progress at the heads-of-state level similar to climate change).

19Expectations for COP10—By Region

Developed
Regions

Developing
Regions

OthersRegions

Asian Four

17

14

13

17

Japan

17

14

14

13

Western Europe

13

U.S.A. & Canada

13

Rest of Asia

11

Latin America

8

Africa

7

11

6

11

20

16
16

12

5

8

10
11

16
15

24
40

9

14
11

9

18
20

14

19

11

12

8

7

8

5
8

7

9

6

9
11

7
8

9
12

5

15

9

13

14

12
7

3

12

12

9
8

7

0

17

15
12

16

7

9

18

11

16

8

8

10

11

20

16

Oceania
E. Europe &former Soviet Union
Middle East

7

11

6

9
6

60

9
14

5

9

12

80

6
100 (%)

Acceleration of specific discussions about biodiversity protection
Strengthen cooperation between policy and the science of biodiversity
Expansion of school education and press coverage to encourage interest in biodiversity
Further linkages between biodiversity protection and climate change initiatives
Establishment of legal regulations to protect the rights of the country of origin of genetic resources
Advancement of international discussions on sustainable agriculture and fisheries grounded in traditions
Advancement of ecosystems monitoring and the expansion of international information sharing
Biodiversity considerations becomes more pervasive in corporate activities
Introduction of political process at the heads-of-state level at the Convention on Biodiversity• An analysis of the regional characteristics for each item revealed that a relatively high percentage of respondents
from Japan, Asian Four, and Oceania selected “acceleration of specific discussions about biodiversity protection” at around 17%. Elsewhere, respondents in the United States & Canada and Western Europe also made thisselection at 13% each.
• A high percentage of respondents from the United States & Canada and Eastern Europe & former Soviet Union
selected “strengthen cooperation between policy and the science of biodiversity” at 20% each. This item wasalso selected by a relatively high percentage of respondents in Rest of Asia and Latin America, at around 16%.
• A relatively high percentage of respondents from Middle East, Rest of Asia, Eastern Europe & former Soviet
Union selected “expansion of school education and press coverage to encourage interest in biodiversity,” ataround 17%.
• Respondents in Middle East selected “further linkages between biodiversity protection and climate change initiatives” at a high rate of 24%. This was followed by relatively high rates in Asian Four, the United States &Canada, and Oceania, at around 17%.
• The item “advancement of international discussions on sustainable agriculture and fisheries grounded in traditions” was selected by a relatively high percentage of respondents in Western Europe and Oceania at 18% and
16% each.
• While a relatively high percent of respondents from Africa and Eastern Europe & former Soviet Union selected“establishment of legal regulations to protect the rights of the country of origin of genetic resources” at 19% and
15% respectively, the rate was low among respondents from the United States & Canada, at 3%.
• Respondents from Western Europe led the selection of “biodiversity considerations becomes more pervasive incorporate activities” at 15%. This was followed by Middle East and Latin America, at 12% and 10%. In contrast,
0% of respondents from Oceania made this selection.
• The selection of the item, “advancement of ecosystems monitoring and the expansion of international information sharing” was distributed among the regions at rates between 5 – 12%.
• Oceania led in the selection of “introduction of political process at the heads-of-state level at the Convention of
Biodiversity” at 14%. The percentages were low in Middle East and Japan, at 6% and 5% respectively.

20

7-3 Priorities for Post-2010 Objectives
Numerous discussions are taking place regarding objectives for the next 10 years. Please select two items from thefollowing list that you think are particularly important priorities.

Priorities for Post-2010 Objectives—Overall

Overall

28

27

Other
Regions29

26

Developed
Regions28

28

Developing
Regions

26
0

20

18

11

17

15

18

19

25

16

40

60

11

15

22
80

10

11
100 (%)

Fundamentally halt biodiversity loss by making it a primary concern of society
Reduce deforestation and overexploitation of natural resources and promote its sustainable use.
Improve the rehabilitation of ecosystems and capabilities of biodiversity
Promote biodiversity conservation and the fair distribution of profits from use of genetic resources
through international framework
Protect a minimum of 15% of land and water deemed significant for biodiversity• Overall, respondents selected “fundamentally halt biodiversity loss by making it a primary concern of society”
and “reduce deforestation and overexploitation of natural resources and promote sustainable use” at 28% and
27% respectively, with the 2 items comprising more than half of the responses. This was followed by “improve
the rehabilitation of ecosystems and capabilities of biodiversity” and “promote biodiversity conservation and thefair distribution of profits from use of genetic resources through international framework” at around 18%.
Lastly, “protect minimum 15% of land and water deemed significant for biodiversity” was selected by 11% of
respondents.
• Respondents in developing regions selected “promote biodiversity conservation and the fair distribution of profits from use of genetic resources through international framework” at 22%, 7 percentage points higher thanrespondents in developed regions.

21

Priorities for Post-2010 Objectives—By Region

Other
Regions

Developed
Regions

Oceania38

Middle East36

E. Europe &former Soviet Union
U.S.A. & Canada

22

24

8

17

29

28

19

Asian Four

28

29

20

Western Europe

26

29

Latin America
Africa

18
0

22
31
32
20

40

9
27

31

28

13

22

Japan

21

8

36
5

30

Rest of Asia
Developing
Regions

33
18

7

16

8

8

15
16

15

20
21

15
10
13

17

25

6

21

21

8

60

80

100 (%)

Fundamentally halt biodiversity loss by making it a primary concern of society
Reduce deforestation and overexploitation of natural resources and promote its sustainable use.
Improve the rehabilitation of ecosystems and capabilities of biodiversity
Promote biodiversity conservation and the fair distribution of profits from use of genetic resources
through international framework
Protect a minimum of 15% of land and water deemed significant for biodiversity• In almost all regions, the selection of the item “fundamentally halt biodiversity loss by making it a primaryconcern of society” exceeded 20%. In particular, the rate was high among respondents in Oceania and Middle
East, at 38% and 36% respectively. This was followed by the United States & Canada, Japan, Rest of Asia, andAsian Four, at approximately 30%.
• Similarly, respondents in nearly every region selected “reduce deforestation and overexploitation of natural resources and promote sustainable use,” at more than 20%. In particular, respondents from Oceania, Africa, Latin
America as well as in the United States & Canada made this selection at around 32%. The selection rate for thisitem was slightly under 30% in Asian Four, Western Europe, and Japan.
• A high percentage of respondents in Middle East selected “improve the rehabilitation of ecosystems and capabilities of biodiversity,” at 36%. This was followed by respondents in Africa, Asian Four, and Japan, at approximately 20%.
• Twenty seven percent of respondents in Eastern Europe & former Soviet Union selected “protect a minimum of
15% of land and water deemed significant for biodiversity.” The response rate for this item in the remaining
regions was not particularly high.

22IV. Comments from Respondents
This year’s questionnaire elicited a total of 217 comments, including 99 from 39 countries outside Japan and 118
from Japan. The respondents kindly commented on the state of environmental problems in various regions worldwide and thought of policies and ideas for alleviating environmental problems. Respondents provided a wide variety of comments; nonetheless, many wrote about biodiversity, perhaps as a reflection of COP10 to be held in
Nagoya this October. Some comments also contained suggestions and requests for future survey question, which
we will gratefully take into consideration in designing the next questionnaire. Owing to space considerations, weare only able to list a portion of the comments, including 46 representing 26 countries and 49 from Japan. The
name, title, organization, country and processing number of the respondent are included with the comment. Comments from respondents requesting anonymity are marked with an M or F to denote male or female.

Comments from overseas
Regarding biodiversity conservation, the key is access to information on the value of biodiversity and the means to sustain
it including participatory approaches and access to best practice. This is not readily available in most developing countries,
or if available is costly and may not be in indigenous languages. Biodiversity needs to be conserved at the community level
and awareness of its value and of options is key. Many of those whose actions most imperil biodiversity through actions suchas cutting mangroves, dynamiting reefs, shooting megagfauna have no knowledge of the value of these to the planet, nor ofalternative means to gain a living while sustaining them.
Edward W. Manning, President, Tourisk Inc, Canada, 087
A lot more focus needs to be put on “sustainability” than climate change. The biodiversity element too often gets forgotten
and yet it is an important/critical link in our survival.
F, Australia, 161
I am concerned that the strategy linking biodiversity conservation to sustainable development of natural resources is not working and doomed to failure. It appears to promote exploitation and concern over 'ownership' of potentially valuable biodiversity
or genetic resources. It has not led to increased conservation successes or increased awareness of biodiversity conservation
broadly across society. Human society in general still perceives biodiversity as 'here for our use'. I believe only a major cultural/religous revolution akin to an 'epiphany' will be needed to solve the biodiversity crisis. Only when human society accepts
that co-habitation with the natural world is necessary and desirable for our spiritual health and well-being will we begin to livein harmony with nature. Much in the way religious teachings have adopted a Ten Commandments approach to influencing
acceptable practices in human society will we need a "Ten Commandments for Environmental Harmony" that tells us what
we should and should not do with respect to our interactions with Nature.
Robert S. Anderson, Museum Scientist, Canadian Museum of Nature Canada, 200
The importance of ecosystems in terms of adaptation to climate change is well known. While the scientific knowledge about
the importance of biodiversity and ecosystem services for human well-being has grown exponentially, its contribution to policy
making at all levels could be further improved. In fact, a functioning International Environmental Governance (IEG) systemthat provides the international framework to support governments in successfully addressing environmental challenges andmeeting their commitments at the national level is the need of the hour.
Dr. Laxmi Kant Dadhich, Honorary Patron,
Paryavaran Parishad Environment Society, India, 164
CEEweb’s priorities for post-2010 objectives are identifying, recognizing, and tackling the indirect pressures, underlying
drivers of biodiversity loss. These drivers are grouped in three:
1. Cultural drivers:- Values of society (material values are dominating others such as health, love, security)- Tradition loss
- Consumerism- Sectional approach
2. Institutional drivers:- Economic and regulatory frameworks (natural resources are cheap, human labour is expensive)- Cheap fuel for transport- State budget (not much for nature conservation, poverty alleviation, changing lifestyles)- Education23

3. Structural drivers- Production and consumption- Urban structures, infrastructure
Responses should be developed to address these drivers. Thus CEEweb is proposing the introduction of limiting natural resource use globally until the use does not extend the carrying capacity of the Earth. Besides, sustainable use of space should
be promoted through economic incentives and also legally biding commitments.
Veronika Kiss, Programme Coordinator, CEEweb for Biodiversity, Hungary, 165
Gro Harlem Brundtland’s Report “Our Common Future”, Agenda 21, Millennium Development Goal etc. cannot have a chance
to succeed in the era of globalised trade, IPRs, patents etc. as these put economic growth in the centre, and “biodiversity conservation” in a distant periphery. The nature and biodiversity have no “development” plans unlike the humans. The biosphereis largely a victim of any form of “development for economic growth”. So if Homo sapiens would like to avoid degenerating
into H.destructus, they should immediately put “ecology” in the centre and develop a strategy of “sustainable future” rather
than “sustainable development”. Both substantial reductions in the human populations in India, China and other developing
countries as well as avoidance of unsustainable lifestyle are essential. What we need is a “World Council for Sustainable
Biosphere”, rather than WTO, IMF, World Bank etc. “Sustainable Future” cannot be achieved without humankind system orcivilization establishing harmony with the system in which nature/biosphere of planet Earth functions. Functions of Nature arecooperative, interlinked and interactive unlike those needed for a competitive global market economy. The untenable notionthat Homo sapiens are the Lord of planet Earth, and all other animate and inanimate resources are just for their consumption
and pleasure started with the Industrial revolution in the late 18th century. Some consider that it also marked the beginningof geological era “Anthropocene”. The idea of sustainable future necessitates basic changes in our concept of civilization,
lifestyle, food production and consumption pattern, urban and rural infrastructure, education, employment healthcare, future
course of science and technology etc. These all are quite radically different value systems.
P. C. Kesavan, Distinguished Fellow, M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, India, 107
We must unify actions in our efforts to save biodiversity, seeking their greatest value in rational and potential use. Biodiversity contains millions of species and thousands of ecosystems that form to meet the material and spiritual needs of man. In
modernity, nature has become an object of control by the sciences and by production. It remained unaccounted for in theeconomic system, thus its complex order and the organization of the ecosystem have been ignored. At the same time, it has
increasingly become an object of knowledge and supplier of raw materials in the production process. Through the Asociación
Cubana de Técnicos Agricolas y Forestales (Cuban Association of Agricultural and Forest Technology), we will develop an
agricultural process founded in the ecological and biological process that can maintain the functions of the ecosystem andapportion adequate means of subsistence without undermining the cultural and social integrity of the population living in it.
This is the necessary agricultural and ecological transition and development of knowledge about sustainable agriculture basedin ecological principles and the close relationship between nature and society. That is the immediate requirement for creating
a better world, one that can always be.
Waldo I. Tapia Contreras, President,
Asociación Cubana de Técnicos Agricolas y Forestales, Cuba, 197
It is significant to strengthen the education and the training of all human beings, especially the young people, so as to develop
their consciousness of the environment. The earth could not be protected, without everyone being aware of the issue and without
sustainable development (conservation of natural resources, etc.) through extensive and in-depth education.
Ming Wang, Vice President, Health & Material Management Dept.,
Jinheng Science & Technology Co., Ltd (Zhuhai), China, C001
All governments, especially in Africa, should have a curriculum capturing environmental problems starting from nurseryschool to university college. Our governments put more emphasis on arithmetic, and language at the expense of the environment. I am not ashamed to say that environmental issues start from the house to the home, estate, village, location, district,and the whole world.
Yucabeth Ongondo, Chairperson, Kogola Women Group – CBO, Kenya, 207
Environmental problems in Kuwait arise from a number of factors: principally climate, industrialization, transport, and recreation. The impact of these factors on the environment is vital. Both media and education have an important role to play insharpening awareness of problems and their solutions.
F, Kuwait, 097

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An international approach to population issues needs to be considered whereby we decide on a total carrying capacity for theearth and determine how to avoid reaching that total carrying capacity.
David Vernon, dvbooks, Australia, 009
Based on the relationship between the earth population and overall natural resources, research should be done to identify thesustainable amount of per capita natural resources (or pollution) and to guide the alteration of people’s lifestyle.
M, China, C003
There has been extremely uneven development and a variety of levels of consciousness among the human race. It is impossible
to improve the cognitive state of mankind in the short term. We have to rely on governments and international organizations
with great power and enforceability to take coercive measures to stop any activities that is harmful to the environment.
F, China, C012
The current global economic downturn in the 'west' is undermining and overriding environmental concerns. Survival for the
average citizen does not allow room for thinking beyond day to day existence. We therefore rely heavily on our decisions
makers. At present my own country is managing to survive economically by digging up its mineral resources to feed growthin China and India. This in turn accelerates climate change and consequent loss of biodiversity - the reaction continues. If ourleaders think in only the short term then what kind of long term future can we expect? The same message applies today as
it did at Rio; In order to survive we must know the limits of our planetary systems, understand our role in maintaining theircontinued survival and learn to live accordingly.
Carole Douglas, MD, Environment and Culture, Logico Pty, Ltd. Australia, 106
Global warming is a major environmental issue which needs attention of all the countries. All the developed and developing
countries should actually work for emissions reduction even if they have to compromise on economic development.
Zia Ul Islam, Director, Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency,
Ministry of Environment, Pakistan, 174
1. Biological solution is preferred over engineering or technical solution to contain climate change. 2. Circular economy should
be adopted in preference over a linear economy. 3. Emphasis should be given to protect grassroots people’s interests likely to
be impacted by climate change. 4. Lifestyle change can do a lot to reduce the greenhouse gas generation. 5. Intensive education
and awareness is required to promote people’s knowledge on the causes of climate change and the means to combat it.
Dr. Sundara Narayana Patro, Working President, Orissa Environmental Society, India, 193
Developed countries, plus China, India and Brazil are responsible for the global warming, must therefore set legally abiding
and verifiable targets of CO2 emissions for themselves.
Sani Dawaki Usman, Deputy Director, Environmental Research and Statistics,
Federal Ministry of Environment, Nigeria, 011
At the heart of most problems that afflict humankind is self-centeredness. There is a need to appeal to the higher nature ofnations and men for them to be less selfish, to think of others, and not only of oneself, because considering the welfare ofothers will in the end rebound to one’s own national/personal survival. That is the law of the universe.
Virginia S. Cariño, Professor, National Research Council of the Philippines, Philippines, 169
Practical activities are essential in order to produce environmentally conscious citizens who act to correct environmental
problems in their immediate environment.
Veronica Irene Joy Royes, Natural History Society of Jamaica, Jamaica, 186
Looking over the past fifty years, it is all too apparent that while discussion of environmental issues has increased, it has not
stopped the human juggernaut from laying waste to the Earth at an accelerating rate. This raises the issue of whether human
intelligence is up to the task of addressing the threats that human numbers and demands pose to the ecosphere. Human emotions and instinctual drives to expand their own life form at the expense of others seem to override the obvious need to reduce
the human impact on Earth by curbing human population and consumption.
J. Anthony Cassils, Canada, 014
The solution to environment problems is not to stop development, but to change the pattern of economic growth and consumption. The major powers in the world should no longer seek to become economic and political hegemony and postpone actionthat is conducive to environment protection.
M, China, C005
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I believe that the carbon footprint is a tool to achieve a leap forward to have a more sustainable lifestyle. Commercial use of
the carbon footprint, built-in labels is a great procedure to increase awareness of environmental care, and make a difference inlifestyles. This indicator integrates the “market forces” environmental issues, reaching every person in their everyday decisions.
For this to have real value should be an international agreement on procedures for measuring the carbon footprint throughout
the life cycle of each product, there should be international regulations approved bodies for certification of the value of the
carbon footprint and regulation for a credible advertising for all people, motivating environmental awareness. Subsequently,
following the same path will develop water footprint of bio-diversity and other aspects of environmental care.
Agustin Abarca, Director, Accion Ambiental Ltda, Chile, 089
With the ongoing financial crises in USA, Europe and others my main worry is that focus will not be that much on sustainable
use of earth resouces. Empty stomachs cannot think. Efforts need to be made to put a moratoriam on population growth, andimprove food access in developing countries. World problems are interconnected and cannot be addressed if treated peacemeal
such as COP10 or Copenhagen accord or similar initiatives. A comprehensive world agreement is needed emcompassing allissues under the same umbrella. The progress monitoring can be compartmentalized
M, Pakistan, 118
A real solution of the world’s combined climate and environmental problem will require a stop in the rich countries exponential economic growth politics. This, however, is impossible for any single country under today’s economic world order offree competition with a minimum of political interference. What is needed is therefore an international top level conference
for a discussion on sustainable alternatives to the existing regulations of WTO, WB, IMF, and the regional economic unions
like EU, NAFTA, et cetera.
Erik Dammann, Founder, The Future In Our Hands, Norway, 131
The issues of hazardous waste dumping by developing countries have to be addressed at the global fora because of the rampant
effect it is having on targeted developing regions such as Africa. There is need to foster concepts such as Resource Efficiency
and Cleaner Production technologies as well as sustainable consumption and production. These must be mainstreamed into
national policies.
Tawanda Collins Muzamwese, Research Scientist, Industrial Environmental Management and Cleaner Production
Division, Zimbabwe National Cleaner Production Center, Zimbabwe,157
Species extinction occur due to habitat loss, fragmentation of habitat, human activities. Who is going to clean up the garbage
floating in the oceans? Climate change is raising havoc in North America with major disasters, e.g., tornadoes, torrential
rains, flooding, uneven temperatures causing drought (poor crops). Now volcano in Iceland unpredictable, affecting Europe.
Now oil spill in Gulf of Mexico, which has no solution. All these have a cumulative impact on the whole world. And yet ourgovernments are still promoting resource extraction to “help the economy.”
F, Canada, 109
1. The growth in human population is unsustainable. This topic has disappeared off the global agenda. The relentless rise in
the number of people on our planet makes a nonsense of most measures being discussed.
2. Soil erosion and the implosion of pollinators and birds are two “dark horse” factors which could both have devastating
effects on human survivability. They are high leverage factors. If they are corrected, many other ills will also be corrected.
They are clear bell weathers.
U.K., 050
All of our efforts to deal with environmental problems will be made much more difficult by the fact that global oil production
is about to start rapid decline. As oil becomes more scarce, there will be intense pressure to develop alternative energy sourcesthat will have enormous negative impacts on various aspects of the environment.
M, USA, 008
The biggest challenges are 1) addressing population growth and 2) finding a way to move beyond "feel good" environmentalism to making behavioral/societal changes that could reverse our current trajectory.
F, USA, 021
			Over the years as the world’s population grows, as environmental issues become more global, as science becomes more effective in demonstrating global linkages among living species and the environment, one would expect the emergence of a global
consensus a greater understanding of all the world’s people about our environmental future. It appears that the opposite ishappening. We are becoming more diverse in our opinions about the environment and the type of actions needed to protect
the environment. As someone that has been taking the time to respond to this Asahi Glass Foundation Survey for most of the26

past 19 years, this is all a bit sad to me. There are many young people that are responding positively to these problems. I wish
them well.
Gene M. Owens, Independent consultant, USA, 032
Change the goal of development target into: raising GDP per reduced number of the poor below the poverty line and reduce
CO2 emissions per capita.
Emil Salim, University of Indonesia, Indonesia, 042
Everyone is responsible for environmental problems. Better life quality and more energy consumed thanks to rapid advancing
technology leads to environmental damage and quick energy consumption. If we returned to past values, life would gradually
improve.
M, Taiwan, T-047
The earth faces the problem of “survival”, not merely environmental problems. This generation should be responsible for the
next two generations.
Hu JingWu, a vice-section chief, CPC Corporation, Taiwan T-049
The environment, development, and social justice are completely related, in such a way that none can be achieved in isolationfrom the rest. It is necessary to achieve a better redistribution of goods and resources at a global level so that the conservationof the environment can be realized.
International solidarity is also necessary to bring an end to the tremendous imbalance between those who have everything
and those who have nothing. The world can not be in the hands of the few who govern at the whims of their financial andcommercial interests, who create and topple governments and maintain the worst possible misery of millions of people andentire countries.
Further, what sense is there in saving some ecosystems if we’re leaving thousands and thousands of children to die from
disease, war, and malnutrition on a daily basis?
M, Spain, 052
Environmental problems require to be also addressed in a wider context. The path and type of economic development is crucial.
Too much consumption, greed, the belief that happiness comes from wealth. Happiness increases up to an income of $50,000
per annum and then levels off. Greater equality, less poverty. More contented and fulfilled people.
M, Canada, 061
Reduce excessive packaging and consequently promote simple-packaged products.
M, Taiwan, T-075
Reducing nitrogen and phosphate pollution of water should receive more attention.
Kenneth Ruffing, France, 104			This is the moment to seriously implement the protection of our planet for ourselves and for our future generations!
Miroslav Raicevic, President, The Association of Montenegrin-Japanese Friendship,
Montenegro, 121
Under the doctrine of IEC’s “saving the planet” is the utmost need of the entire human race. The IEC does not deal with only
birds, trees, and fishes, but it recognizes that nature is having the potential infrastructure for the humankind and meant toprovide dignity, prosperity, good health, enrichment, and freedom from hunger and poverty. Therefore, applied IEC invariably
protects water, wildlife, fisheries, public land, animals, rivers, waterways, all basics of human life. However, the IEC advocatesa complete change in the world’s economic system and formulation of redefinition of man’s relationship with “Mother Earth.”
The future of the Earth is intimately linked with the sustainable development which is ostensible goal of environmental policy
and law as enunciated in Agenda 21 of the Earth Summit (1992) and also in the Johannesburg Summit (2002). In this regard,
not only developing countries but also the developed ones have to adopt a visionary approach in consonance with the needsof man and nature both.
Prof. R.K. Nayak, Executive Chairman,
The Environmental and Consumer Protection Foundation, India, 13327

I feel that legal and political instruments of introducing environmental protective goals within frame of economic development
and executing of international and domestic law are of great importance for international community and nations. The lessconsume style of living in the West as well as just distribution of resources in developing countries, helping their economic
development should contribute to more fair and equitable use of resources and save the biodiversity.
Nowacki, Professor of Law, University of Wroctow, Poland, 147
Future looms dark unfortunately. Nobody cares much. We all are running to arrive nowhere. Wealthy countries should try tostop war, to reduce producing weapons, prevent smuggling, help people of the world to control the size of their family, educate
people of the world, reduce carbon emission, help developing countries to eradicate hunger and poverty. Otherwise terrorism
will win and environment would be destroyed in war and by the hands of hungry deprived people
Hamid Taravati, Managing director, Taravat Bahar Environmental Institute, Iran, 150
I can still remember the intense enthusiasm that I felt, as a participant during the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. It was notlong after this that our campaign, to save an ancient woodland from a road scheme, was successful. The environment seemed
to be receiving the attention it deserved, locally and globally. We have a remarkable ability, once a critical point is reached, tofocus our awareness in a different direction. The delights of information technology, the wonders of the internet, an obsessive
attractions to all manner of screens—a long list of diversions. The environment is once again in view but that earlier intensity
has quite definitely gone.
David Black, Trustee, Oxleas Wood Challenge Fund Trust, U.K., 162
I think more funds should be set aside to build some more sophisticated research laboratories in developed and developing
countries. People should be made aware of environmental effects and global warming worldwide.
Selosilwe Mokubukubu Mosinyi, Botswana, 187
During ECO 92/Rio, some leaders gathered at the conference issued the world a warning that should have been considered.
After years climate change has worsened. Forests have practically disappeared, deserts have spread worldwide, a billion tonsof fertile land has accumulated annually in the oceans and seas, and many species are extinct. Population pressure and poverty imposes desperate efforts to survive at the expense of nature. Poisoned the seas and rivers, polluted the air and pierced
the ozone layer, saturated the atmosphere with gases that are changing the climate with catastrophic effects already reported
in several regions of the planet. Some years, the environmental damage by destruction reached industrialized countries anddeveloping countries, the despair of all shall be equal before the calamities of nature dying. Humanity is in danger due to therapid and progressive destruction of their natural living conditions. If we want to save mankind from this self-destruction,
government, economic power, NGOs and the general public must be aware of this threat. Tomorrow will be too late to lead
us to what we should have done long ago.
Ricardo Rocha de Sousa, OUTROS, Brazil, 194
There is a direct relationship between climate change, the loss of biodiversity, desertification, and poverty in the world. We
shouldn’t have wasted time: act already! What is in danger is life in all its forms, on the planet, on Earth. The environment
belongs to everyone! Same with water!
Elias C. Abramides, Consultant, World Council of Churches, Argentina, 196
Today, humanity stands at the frightening juncture of colossal environmental degradation endangering the life support systemon the planet. So the urgent need of the hour is to make conscientious efforts to develop genuine symbiotic relationships
between developed and developing countries so as to evolve a sustainable international strategy and not only to mitigate theecological problems but also to ameliorate the quality of life on the Earth.
R.V. Verma, Director, Institute for Regional Development Studies, India, 209

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Comments from Japan
The prioritization of poverty alleviation in developing countries and their right to economic growth must be respected. Thereis no need to impose legally enforceable targets upon developing countries; voluntary targets are sufficient. But developing countries do need to accept verification if they are to request aid from developed countries. Developed countries should
establish realistic and consistent targets. It would be inane to compete on the size of numeric targets as part of a politicalgamble. While it is necessary to leave future generations a wide set of options to choose from, we also cannot force excessive
sacrifice from the current generation or some subset of the population. Although the current generation needs to accept somelevel of sacrifice, there needs to be solid information on the degree of sacrifice and its fairness. We must avoid the gratuitous
spreading of optimistic forecasts.
M, W073
I find dismal that government, citizens and corporations only seem to care about what is directly in front of them despite thenumerous climate abnormalities. I am also bothered by erroneous press reports that equate global warming countermeasures
to an increase in economic burden. World affairs over the last several years clearly show that people and society cannot gain
happiness no matter how economically wealthy we become. I believe we need to begin challenging ourselves as soon as possible to instead attain moderate economic wealth and human and spiritual richness while protecting the environment, whichis the foundation of human life.
Konoe Fujimura, Co-Director,
Japan Association of Environment and Society for the 21st Century, 055
All involved should acknowledge the grand objective to “not cause any further destruction to the planet.” I find it sad that thecurrent discussions on the environment, especially those on climate change, begin and end in each party putting forth theirown economic and political assertions.
Ryoji Suzuki, Director, Office of Environmental Promotion,
Ebara Corporation, W037
While the easing of the effects on the environment from human production activities cannot wait, the relationship between
greenhouse gases and global warming requires continued scientific studies.
M, W099
Generally, the sense of crisis for environmental problems remains extremely weak. There needs to be plenty of education
through schools, companies, and the press. Politicians are also unstudied and they lack in tangible actions. There needs to beaggressive involvement in the environmental strategies of developing countries like China. If we continue on the current path,
we’ll come closer and closer to the point of no return.
M, 017
There are many categories of errors in environmental problems. Understanding the problem and promoting environmental
education is required today at the citizen level. But rather than emphasizing only the negative aspects, there also needs to bematerial that gives hope for the future in the education and implementation in everyday life (including the transformation ofvalue systems).
Satoru Kitajima, Director and Consultant, Japan National Trust, 059
Because it is necessary to change people’s lifestyles, educational initiatives that aren’t simply public relations efforts are
growing in importance.
Hiroshi Nagano, Professor, Science and Technology Policy,
National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies, W019
The most important thing is for children themselves to seriously think about “what they should do to protect the environment.”
To this end, we adults should not be debating “what we’re leaving behind to our children” but rather dedicate all of our efforts
to educating them. I think what this means when thinking about the future is to consider on a global scale what it means to“give a man to fish, he’ll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, he’ll eat forever.”Takao Ishii, W036

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I believe that environmental problems are such that individuals do not experience damage in a clear way in their everyday life.
Rather, it is something that progresses gradually, making it a difficult problem to be aware of. I think that what we need firstand foremost is a catalyst, and perhaps this questionnaire is one, that makes each individual aware that the problem is right up
against him. We need to create more such opportunities to try to transform people’s awareness and expand their recognition.
M, W119
Environmental problems are such that we need to overcome them by gathering knowledge and wisdom for future generations
and using science and technology, with a long-term and global perspective that goes beyond the boundaries of companies,
industries, and countries. If, for example, we are seduced by short-term effectiveness and pursue a narrow environmental policy
lacking in a global perspective and it triggers negative offsets, it may result in leakage or the transfer of greenhouse gases, or
negative effects on biodiversity, and our efforts will have an adverse effect. I hope that we enact equitable and highly effective environmental policies domestically and internationally that contribute to environmental protection and allows technicalcapabilities of high energy efficient companies to thrive without compromising their international competitiveness.
M, W145
Global warming is a problem deserving the top priority for the future of mankind and the Earth. In Kanagawa prefecture,
we made a “Cool-Renaissance Declaration” to appeal for the revitalization of the planet starting in localities. Last July, we
adopted the “Global Warming Countermeasure Promotion Regulation” (literally translated) and together with each resident
and business owner, we have been engaged in global warming strategies. Further, we have also been involved with measuresthat take advantage of the progressiveness of Kanagawa prefecture like the promotion of electric cars ahead of the rest of thecountry. Through these efforts, I hope to communicate the global warming efforts of our region.
M, 133We should think about policies and technologies that transform the degree of environmental deterioration and its movements
into a visible form, and install them throughout the world.
Fumio Shimizu, Editor-in-Chief, “Energy and the Environment Weekly,” 130
We have seen that carbon dioxide emissions fall proportionately to economic crises. But even as the economy recovers, individuals and entities should accept as their own responsibility the prevention of emissions increases. Each country should
evaluate these efforts on a per unit basis to understand how behind they are, and establish C&T targets.
Shigeru Saito, Office of Auditing and Corporate Social Responsibility,
Citizen Holdings Co., W060
Have we not arrived at a point when the creation of general rules are necessary to govern the sustainable use of natural resources?
M, W097
Climate change, biodiversity, water, and food problems are closely intertwined. It is without doubt that there will need to bea link or a framework to systematize the knowledge of the world’s scientists so that it is accessible in a dependable way tointernational politics and discussions. In order to prevent the loss of time and efforts, I think it would be desirable if Japan
can propose excellent ideas.
Masanobu Fujiwara, News Analyst, NHK News Commentators Bureau, 083
The era when all is well if you (or your country) are well has long ended. I think the time has come (and is already passingby) for each country to take a comprehensive view towards how we can maintain a sustainable environment on this planetaround the world and begin acting under a climate of international cooperation.
M, W109
The prioritization of profits by the economic world and the mutual blaming of responsibilities between developed and developing countries will likely continue, with discussions to resolve environmental problems lagging without progress. An“Environmental Security Council” needs to be established at the United Nations, with actions to protect the environment with
enforceable resolutions.
Katsuhide Kitatani, Chairperson, NPO 2050, W114

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There is no way that individual countries can adequately solve environmental problems. Therefore, it needs to be raised as a
subject that surpasses national interests, and a system must absolutely be created to deliberate and tackle them globally. It isessential to suppress the prioritization of national profits and losses, and for this reason, it is likely that this system will needsome sort of enforceability. Without the enforceability, there is no way for the United Nations to grapple with the environmental problem.
Keiichi Uchida, W115
I believe this year is a large turning point for both global warming strategies and the conservation of biodiversity. I hope toclearly discern the direction in which the world moves.
M, W016
Global warming and biodiversity are very deeply related. There also needs to be discussions to bridge the two.
M, W023
The world is asinine. In Japan as well, with the exception of a small minority, there is no understanding for the significanceof biodiversity.
Akira Tsubouchi, Industry, Academia, Government Collaboration Coordinator, University of Fukui, W053
Discussions within Japan on biodiversity is way too inward-looking, with efforts to view it as a global problem absent bothin the governmental and private sectors. Japan must acknowledge that not only its food but much of its resources and energy
rely on foreign ecological services, and begin thinking through the perspective, “what kind of international cooperation isnecessary for Japan’s survival?” In addition, it is also important for society to urgently share the recognition that ecologicalservices are indispensable to the sustainable development of life, industry, and society.
Yasushi Hibi, Japan Program Director, Conservation International, W104
We need to develop tangible strategies that allow the coexistence between people and diverse forms of life. I think that thepolicies like the one to “create alternative environments for habitats whose loss cannot be prevented due to human activities
so that the native plants and animals can thrive elsewhere” should be seriously deliberated.
Kimihiko Sato, 071
Living with the feeling that the water is becoming cleaner, the air is tasting better, and the soil is turning healthier makes life
more fun. Aren’t human beings the only form of life that can do this?
Minoru Yoneda, Director, Environmental Operations, Asa Corporation, W092
When considering the population explosion on a global level, it is imperative to establish an adherence to a lifestyle based onenergy and resource conservation throughout the world.
Kiyoshi Koike, Director, Kix, 069
Although scientific technology is important, that alone will not solve environmental problems. What is necessary is to urgently
change the socioeconomic system from a one-way structure that has been in place since the Industrial Revolution with mass
production, mass consumption, and mass waste, into a circular socioeconomic system that is within the bounds of the Earth’s
environmental carrying capacity. To this end, social activism to change people’s awareness like philosophical and lifestyletransformation is extremely important.
Toshihiko Goto, Organizer, Environmental Auditing Research Group, W046
There needs to be a transformation in the thinking that equates the increase in economic activity to the creation of wealth inpeople’s lives. We need a transformation in values to rethink what level of lifetyle will lead to satisfaction.
Hiroshi Takeda, Professor, Department of Environmental Systems Science,
Faculty of Engineering, Doshisha University, 120
Without economic stability, there is no way that people can turn their awareness towards the environment. It is truly the environmental equivalent of the Japanese proverb, only when one has food and clothing can one come to learn civility. I imagine
this is why discussions on the environment don’t move forward in developing countries, where there is a large population inpoverty. It is shameful that war, which is perhaps the greatest form of environmental destruction, still has yet to disappear
from the face of the planet whether it be due to ethnic or religious conflict, or perhaps the nature of mankind. Because global
warming countermeasures put different interests of countries in conflicting positions, it is difficult to make progress, andunfortunately, pessimism is unavoidable.
M, W077
31

The worst threats to the global environment are war and exploitation. I think that environmental problems cannot be solved if
the powerful do not first stop waging war (including the so-called measures to fight terrorism) and exploitation.
F, Ochanomizu University, W134
Regardless of the political discussions between countries, I think it is already clear what companies have to do. The technology already exists; I hope that government will lead society towards the goal of spreading that technology as quickly and as
widely as possible.
Hiromi Asahi, Deputy Director, Office of Global Environmental Planning,
Nissan Motor Co., W026
Science needs to indicate in an understandable way what types of activities are sustainable and would contribute to environmental preservation. In turn, government and industry need to develop systems that would make it profitable to carry out
those activities.
M, W093
Emphasize population problems. The most important proposition for environmental strategies is to suppress population
growth.
Keiko Wakabayashi, Senior Producer,
Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 016
Advancing the use of renewable energies, which is a gift of the abundance of nature, while protecting it including ecosystems,
contributes to solving environmental problems and also leads to the creation of an attractive region. From that standpoint
and as a region rich in nature, we would like to engage in the creation of a renewable societal system, like the promotion ofagroforestry with a view towards the use of biomass and the creation of new businesses that incorporate natural energies.
Norihisa Sasatake, Governor, Akita Prefecture, 072
I imagine that genetic modification technology will become indispensable in the future as a scientific technology that protects
the environment. An example is the project to prevent further desertification in Africa that Tsukuba University is involved in,whereby Eucalyptus trees were genetically modified to grow in seawater. Further, it is clear that agriculture has been in thepast, and still is today, the largest source of environmental burdens. Developing agricultural technology to produce the greatest
possible amount of food with minimal burden to the environment should become a global quest for many years to come. The
role of Japan, which has extremely highly developed agricultural technology, will likely grow in importance.
Nobuhiko Harada, Reporter, Tsukuba Bureau, The Yomiuri Shimbun, W001
Among environmental problems, the destruction of water resources, forest resources, and ecosystems is a particularly large
concern. Further, the ones who will bear the greatest damage from natural disasters resulting from environmental destruction
are developing countries and society’s powerless, and it is worrying that they will be forced into even more difficult situations. But there is a ray of hope in the progress being made to shift to natural sources of energy like solar power. There is apossibility that the countries of the South, which possess these resources in abundance, can take advantage of their superior
position and contribute to the improvement of the North-South divide.
Yukiko Kada, Governor, Shiga Prefecture, W153
The crisis of the world’s economy has yet to come to an end, and domestically, politics continue to stagnate. I think that whether
or not we can come to the realization that environmental problems are an issue for mankind of this century will be the fork in
the road dividing success from failure.
Takashi Nitta, 056
The heart of the problem is crushing for those of us who live in this world. The current state of international politics is suchthat details must be determined outside of the main discussion. There are many concerning issues. In no particular order: themelting of the Himalayan glacier. If scientists in this field researched the relationship between climate and the melting andpitched the research results to various places, the difficult task of choice falls on the coordinator of the IPCC Working Group.
The recent press reports are likely the result. This is an outsider’s guess. There has been an instance in the past when scientists
studied the transmission of whale cries and tried to pitch the results as progress in the debate about global warming. Thatmakes the debate preposterous, with the true substance of the global warming debate having to chase away damage from small
distractions. There is no end to scientists who flaunt their knowledge of the Ice Age when discussing actual problems and end
up dampening the progress of substantive discussion. Science-fiction like tales spanning thousands, millions, and billions ofyears only mystify the general public in smoke and mirrors and hurt the discussion on global warming.
Akira Harada, Former Director, Meteorological Research Institute andFormer Professor, National Defense Academy in Japan, 092
32

This year, we have seen the emergence of a different environment from the past. On the one hand, actions to counter the dual
forces of global warming and cooling, and the preservation of biodiversity are urgently needed. On the other end of the spectrum, the cultivation of animals and other organisms involved with clothing, food, and shelter is also becoming more pressing. If we don’t move quickly put into place measures to address both requirements making full use of scientific technology
and energy conservation, like the creation of forests with the capability to reduce CO2, purify the air, stabilize the ground,maintain and protect species, ameliorate climates (reduce the difference between warming and cooling) as well as cultivate
marine life which serve as both food and a source of energy, I believe that the livelihood of mankind will be threatened aboveand beyond environmental deterioration.
Michiko Imai, President, Le Verseau, 109
Strictly follow subtractive measures like energy conservation and addressing the root causes of emissions. At the same aggressively proceed with proactive, additive measures to suppress global warming, maintain biodiversity, and grow native forests bynative trees for revitalization. Advance the rehabilitation of native forests on a global scale based on the planting of preexisting
species. All citizens of the world must proceed with positive actions wherever they can, from the ground they stand on. Take
the responsibility to protect our own lives.
Akira Miyawaki, Director,
IGES – Japanese Center for International Studies in Ecology, 112• We once had “dioxins,” and “environmental hormones.” We now have “global warming,” and next we will have “biodiversity.”
With environmental problems, there is a buzzword that attracts all of the attention of the moment, with great noise around thesubject as if it were fashionable. While there is great noise around global warming and carbon dioxide emissions, there areother environmental problems close-by that are facing a different crisis but are left behind. I wonder if we can’t take a more
multi-dimensional approach to protect the Earth’s environment.
• While I commend the government and companies for engaging in environmental problems with interest, I find it too transparent their intention to use the term “eco” for the purposes of political strategies and business ends. For example, why should
large screen televisions and refrigerators, which consume large amounts of electricity, earn high eco points? A major car
manufacturer aired a commercial in which they advertised a fuel efficient car as “let’s replace our car even though we can still
use it.” Isn’t that simply encouraging a disposable society, exposing a lack of interest in waste problems?
Yumi Nakayama, Reporter, Science and Medicine Group,
The Asahi Shimbun, 119
I am deeply dissatisfied with how environmental problems, in particular global warming, is treated including how it is handledin our country. They are excessively politicized, but there lacks a strong, unwavering will that leads to tangible action, andinstead seem used for political slogans and accessorizing entities with a simplistic green image. Politics should thoroughly
understand and determine what we want to accomplish through a specific energy policy, and define how we share the burdenin the event of an economic loss so that it contributes to the future growth of the country, and ask these questions of its citizens.
But to spin these issues as a political game without substantive action is disingenuous. I also have doubts about international
movements to place an economic value even on biodiversity. Instead, I think that it is steady, honest efforts that are needed,
like finding a way to rehabilitate Satoyama within our current way of life, or thinking through uses of land that achieves abalance with protection.
M, W048
It is crucial that global warming strategies (including adaptation strategies) are carried out and promoted steadfastly basedon preventative principles, from a long-term standpoint. We cannot erode efforts aimed at fundamentally transforming the
economy because of the provocations of a minority of skeptics, nor slow down these endeavors.
Hisakazu Kato, Professor, Faculty of Law, Teikyo University, W082
We must begin to think about the Earth’s sustainability by gaining a scientific understanding of the relationship between the
Earth’s environmental capacity and human activity. Rather than thinking through “what is possible” and piling up achievablemeasures based on current common practices, it is necessary to begin thinking through “what is needed” in order to achievea sustainable Earth for the future. I think that Japan before the change in administration lacked these types of “top-down”
and “back-cast” thinking. By changing the thought process, what is “achievable” also changes, which should open up newhorizons.
M, W140

33

Environmental problems, in particular, global environmental problems are truly what Harding called “the tragedy of the commons.” At the moment it seems that everyone is engaged in a strategic game, and it makes me wonder if they are seriously
thinking about solutions. Of course, both strategies and technological solutions are necessary, but what is indispensable is an
ethical approach. Human activity is influenced by economics. What is necessary for the solution of environmental problems
is to birth a new economic theory after encapsulating the history and economy of mankind to date.
Hajime Oshitani, Professor, Department of Regional Environmental Studies,
Rakuno Gakuen University, W149
I like the United Nations slogans, “Biodiversity is life. Biodiversity is our life.” I think we can replace the words and alsosay, “Environment is life. Environment is our life.” But the environment is still viewed as something external; there still lacks
the recognition that it is our life itself. We must make the question “how to balance the environment and the economy” itself
obsolete as soon as possible.
Tomohisa Yamaguchi, Reporter, Life Group, The Asahi Shiumbun, W151
With the bursting of the financial bubble, the limits of political approaches that rely excessively on market mechanisms havebecome clear. We must rethink requiring products to have a low environmental footprint, the development of scientific technology, urban planning and social infrastructure. We once again need the implementation of a wide variety of policies, including
environmental education and awareness raising.
Ryutaro Yatsu, Director, Department of Waste Management and Recycling,
Ministry of the Environment, W101
With human activity growing colossal and the taking off of China and India, events are beginning to easily exceed the homeostasis of the Earth. We must gain an awareness of the size of impact we have on the Earth, without distinguishing whether weare a developing or developed country. Otherwise I fear that we are stepping into a destructive phase due to the effect we arehaving on food and water security.
M, W087
I believe that the true nature of environmental problems lies in the extreme population concentration of urban areas and excessive consumption. I think that what is needed for the solution of environmental problems is the realization of a society that
doesn’t only pursue material wealth achieved from excessive consumption.
Satoshi Fujioka, Senior Staff, Research Institute of Environment, Agriculture and Fisheries, Osaka Prefectural
Government, W008
There is a sense of paralysis in negotiations about environmental treaties. I hope for the appearance of a true leader in theenvironmental field who is unaffected by commercial gain.
Yasuyoshi Tanaka, President, Japanese Forum of Environmental Journalists/
Deputy Director, Mainichi Shimbun, W020

34

7

54

39

[28]

11

69

20

[55]

U.S.A & Western
Canada Europe

2

71

27

[98]

Asian
Four

10

51

39

[114]

35

7

36

27

4. Emission reduction by developing
countries like China & India wasdiscussed

5. A basis for CO2 reduction schemes
was created with major economies
including U.S. and China

10

2. Addition of aid to developing
countries

3. International verification of emission
reductions

20

[N=
219]

1. Clarification of goals

Based on the total number of valid
responses
Respondents with over 2 responses
deemed to be invalid

35

30

0

20

15

[20]

29

38

10

14

10

[21]

29

15

13

17

25

[52]

21

19

12

23

26

[86]
0

0

33

17

50

[6]

26

63

11

[27]

Rest of
Latin
Asia America

3-1-1 Reasons COP15"Should Be Commended"

358

2. It cannot be commended

3. Unknown

39

1. It should be commended

[292]

Japan

30

20

10

25

15

[20]

5

45

50

[20]

Africa

[6]

17

33

33

17

0

8

69

23

[13]

Oceania

3-1 Evaluating COP15/The Copenhagen Accord and Its Effect

Question 3. Evaluating the COP15

[8]

25

25

13

0

38

14

62

24

[21]

E.Europe &former Soviet
Union

25

0

25

25

25

[4]

0

67

33

[6]

25

22

12

21

21

[223]

9

61

30

[383]

Middle Overseas
East
Total

26

28

10

15

21

[442]

6

60

34

[675]

Total

28

32

8

12

20

[312]

4

62

34

[473]

Developed
Regions

%

21

20

12

25

22

[112]

12

52

36

[161]

22

22

22

11

22

[18]

10

65

25

[40]

%

14

16

12

29

29

[56]

7

53

40

[75]

Developing
Others China
Regions

V. Data

36

33

17

7

15

3. Copenhagen Accord lacks legal
enforceability

4. Reduced effectiveness without
international verification of developing
countries

5. Copenhagen Accord lacks transparency, impartiality, and fairness

6. Did not reflect the diverse opinions of
the 192 participating countries
11

4

7

36

14

29

[28]

7

7

4

40

11

31

[73]

U.S.A & Western
Canada Europe

13

48

27

8

3

1

1. Unanimous consensus should bemaintained

2. Unanimous consensus has reachedlimits; new mechanisms and procedures
are needed

3. Can be commended as starting point
for future international discussion

4. Inability to gather sufficient information fuelded misunderstanding among
participants

5. Other

6. Unknown

[N=
292]

7

7

7

29

46

4

[28]

15

5

13

20

44

4

[55]

3-2 The Conference Process at COP15

6

21

[N=
320]

2. Goal to limit global warming to 2
degrees Celsius is insufficient

1. Failed to meet international pledge toformulate a post-2012 framework

Based on the total number of valid
responses
Respondents with over 2 responses
deemed to be invalid

Japan

0

2

27

17

44

10

[98]

10

11

8

38

14

20

[140]

Asian
Four

4

1

22

32

31

11

[114]

10

12

10

35

11

22

[100]

11

4

15

19

48

4

[27]

13

13

10

33

0

30

[30]

Rest of
Latin
Asia America

3-1-2 Reasons COP15 "Cannot Be Commended"

10

0

30

20

25

15

[20]

6

25

13

13

19

25

[16]

Africa

8

0

8

15

31

38

[13]

11

11

0

11

28

39

[18]

Oceania

5

5

0

33

29

29

[21]

21

17

13

25

13

13

[24]

E.Europe &former Soviet
Union

0

17

33

17

0

33

[6]

25

0

0

50

0

25

[8]

9

5

3

21

24

38

[383]

11

11

8

34

12

24

[439]

Middle Overseas
East
Total

3

3

15

25

42

11

[675]

13

9

12

34

10

23

[759]

Total

3

4

12

24

47

11

[473]

13

7

13

35

9

23

[561]

Developed
Regions

%

6

1

22

29

33

10

[161]

10

14

10

32

10

24

[146]

3

5

28

28

28

10

[40]

18

12

6

24

16

24

[50]

3

0

20

35

37

5

[75]

%

4

14

13

37

10

21

[70]

Developing
Others China
Regions

37

4

18

24

24

30

[50]

8

15

19

29

30

[101]

U.S.A & Western
Canada Europe

5

13

26

27

29

[194]

Asian
Four

9

18

33

13

26

[217]

9

22

30

9

30

[46]

Rest of
Latin
Asia America

8

22

35

27

8

[37]

Africa

72

21

3

2

1

1. Understanding of climate change
unchanged; unaffected by skepticism

2. Believed climate change but becameslightly skeptical

3. No longer believe in climate change

4. Not aware of controversy

5. Unknown

[N=
292]

4

0

0

0

96

[28]

5

2

0

15

78

[55]

0

2

0

20

78

[98]

2

6

4

27

61

[114]

4

11

0

0

85

[27]

5

10

0

10

75

[20]

5. Breach in Documents from Climate Research Institution

5

5. Gathering of diverse opinions
including G-77 and island nations18

3. Establishment of aid for developing
countries to counter global warming

942

2. Acceptance of international verification by developing countries like China
and India

4. Establishment of mechanisms like carbon taxes, emissions trading, and otherschemes (including REDD and NAMAs)

26

[571]

1. Finalization of midterm goal bydeveloped countries

Based on the total number of valid
responses
Respondents with over 2 responses
deemed to be invalidJapan

4. The Outlook for COP16

0

0

0

0

100

[13]

4

24

12

36

24

[25]

Oceania

0

0

5

48

48

[21]

8

23

15

35

20

[40]

E.Europe &former Soviet
Union

0

17

0

0

83

[6]

8

17

25

8

42

[12]

2

4

1

19

74

[383]

7

17

27

22

27

[722]

Middle Overseas
East
Total

2

3

2

19

73

[675]

6

14

23

31

26

[1293]

Total

2

2

2

19

75

[473]

5

11

20

36

27

[916]

Developed
Regions

2

7

2

20

67

[161]

9

19

33

14

24

[300]

0

3

3

25

70

[40]

6

22

16

31

25

[77]

0

7

5

29

59

[75]

%

10

18

37

9

25

[146]

Developing
Others China
Regions%

38

1

8. Use of genetically modified organisms

17

5. Sustainable expansion uses of of
biodiversity like forests and oceans

318

4. Reconstruction of traditional harmonious relationships between people andbiodiversity

7. Development of technology andproducts based on characteristics ofspecies like bio-mimicry11

3. Contain use of biodiversity likehunting, logging, fishing, gathering

824

2. Conservation and rehabilitation of
biodiversity through protecting species
and ecosystems

6. Food supply expansion and poverty
reduction by means of like intensive
agriculture

18

[N=
858]

1. Establishment of internationalframework to monitor biodiversity

Based on the total number of valid
responses
Respondents with over 3 responses
deemed to be invalid

Japan

0

4

3

9

18

12

26

28

[74]

2

3

7

11

15

18

23

21

[148]

U.S.A & Western
Canada Europe

1

1

7

14

19

16

26

16

[292]

Asian
Four

2

6

9

15

16

17

21

13

[335]

4

4

10

14

15

15

17

20

[71]

Rest of
Latin
Asia America

4

0

9

12

21

19

18

18

[57]

Africa

7. Expectations for Convention on Biodiversity (COP 10)
7-1 The Relationship Between People and Biodiversity

3

3

11

8

8

21

26

21

[38]

Oceania

3

3

9

24

24

7

14

16

[58]

E.Europe &former Soviet
Union

6

6

6

19

19

6

13

25

[16]

2

3

8

14

17

16

22

17

[1089]

Middle Overseas
East
Total

2

3

8

15

18

14

23

18

[1947]

Total

1

3

7

15

18

13

24

19

[1372]Developed
Regions

3

5

9

15

16

17

20

15

[463]

4

4

9

18

18

12

18

19

[112]

4

6

8

15

14

20

23

10

[225]

Developing
Others China
Regions

%

39

12

5

6. Introduction of political process at theheads-of-state level at the Convention on
Biodiversity

9. Advancement of ecosystems
monitoring and the expansion of
intformation sharing

8

5. Biodiversity considerations becomes
more pervasive in corporate activities

1413

4. Further linkages between biodiversity
protection and climate change initiatives

8. Expansion of school education andpress coverage to encourage interest in
biodiversity

9

3. Advancement of international
discussions on sustainable agriculture
and fisheries grounded in tradition

148

2. Establishment of legal regulations toprotect the rights of the country of originof genetic resources

7. Strengthen cooperatrion between
policy and the science of biodiversity

17

[N=
861]

1. Acceleration of specific discussions
about biodiversity protection

Based on the total number of valid
responses
Respondents with over 3 responses
deemed to be invalid

Japan

12

11

20

9

7

16

9

3

13

[75]

7

7

11

8

15

11

18

10

13

[150]

U.S.A & Western
Canada Europe

7-2 Expectations for COP10

7

13

14

7

5

17

8

11

17

[287]

Asian
Four

5

17

16

9

6

12

9

14

11

[332]

8

11

15

11

10

14

8

13

8

[71]

Rest of
Latin
Asia America

11

9

12

9

7

12

14

19

7

[57]

Africa

8

11

8

14

0

16

16

11

16

[37]

Oceania

7

9

16

20

9

5

9

9

15

[55]

E.Europe &former Soviet
Union

6

18

12

6

12

24

6

12

6

[17]

7

13

15

9

7

14

11

12

13

[1081]

Middle Overseas
East
Total

9

14

14

7

7

13

10

10

14

[1942]

Total

11

13

14

6

8

14

10

9

16

[1373]Developed
Regions

7

15

15

10

7

12

10

15

10

[460]

8

15

15

10

5

14

11

13

10

[109]

5

18

16

11

6

10

10

14

10

[222]

Developing
Others China
Regions

%

40

29

28

8

19

16

2. Reduce deforestation and over
exploitation of natural resources andpromote its sustainable use

3. Protect a minimum of 15% of land
and water deemed significant forbiodiversity

4. Improve the rehabilitation of ecosystems and capabilities of biodiversity

5. Promote biodiversity conservationand the fair distribution of profits fromuse of genetic resources throughinternational framework

[N=
575]

1. Fundamentally halt biodiversity loss
by making it a primary concern ofsociety

Based on the total number of valid
responses
Respondents with over 2 responses
deemed to be invalid

Japan

15

17

7

31

30

[54]

20

15

10

29

26

[103]

U.S.A & Western
Canada Europe

7-3 Priorities for Post-2010 Objectives

8

20

15

29

28

[196]

Asian
Four

21

16

13

22

28

[219]

25

17

6

31

21

[48]

Rest of
Latin
Asia America

21

21

8

32

18

[38]

Africa

8

8

13

33

38

[24]

Oceania

22

5

27

24

22

[37]

E.Europe &former Soviet
Union

9

36

0

18

36

[11]

17

17

13

27

27

[730]

Middle Overseas
East
Total

17

18

11

27

28

[1305]

Total

15

19

10

28

28

[928]

Developed
Regions

%

22

16

11

25

26

[305]

15

11

18

26

29

[72]

21

10

17

23

29

[146]

Developing
Others China
Regions41

9

4. Nongovernmental Organization

1

Unknown

7

1

2. FemaleUnknown

1. Male92

20

7. OtherSex

8

6. Media23

16

3. University/Research Institution

5. Corporation

19

4

[292]

Japan

2. Regional/Municipal Government

1. Central Government

Respondent Affiliations
Employment

0

18

82

0

50

0

18

7

14

0

11

[28]

2

15

84

2

22

2

18

24

25

0

7

[55]

U.S.A & Western
Canada Europe

2

34

64

0

4

1

8

45

24

11

6

[98]

Asian
Four

7

31

62

0

8

4

28

23

26

3

9

[114]

0

37

63

0

22

0

0

37

30

4

7

[27]

Rest of
Latin
Asia America

0

5

95

0

30

0

5

25

10

5

25

[20]

Africa

8

8

0

15

85

0

38

0

8

15

23

[13]

Oceania

0

24

76

0

14

0

0

19

52

0

14

[21]

E.Europe &former Soviet
Union

0

33

67

0

33

0

33

17

0

0

17

[6]

4

9

3

26

70

1

16

2

15

28

25

[383]

Middle Overseas
East
Total

2

18

80

1

18

4

19

20

21

11

7

[675]

Total

5

1

14

85

1

19

5

19

18

19

14

[473]

Developed
Regions

%

5

29

66

0

13

2

20

25

25

3

11

[161]

0

23

78

0

25

0

8

18

35

3

13

[40]

11

39

51

%

0

3

5

41

13

31

4

3

[75]

Developing
Others China
RegionsVI. Questionnaire as Distributed to Respondents
I. REPEAT TOPICS
1.
Environment Doomsday Clock1-1. To what extent do you feel that the current deterioration of the global environment has created a crisis that willaffect the survival of the human race? Indicate a time within the range 0:01 to 12:00 corresponding to the extent of yourconcern in the boxes below.
12

9:01 – 12:00
Extremely Concerned

Please write your time here.

0:01 – 3:00
Barely Concerned

:

3

9

6:01 – 9:00
Fairly Concerned

3:01 – 6:00
Slightly Concerned
6(

Example

:

10

35

)

1-2. When you selected the time above, what were the main environmental conditions about which you were concerned? Please circle up to three (3) of the following items of concern.
(1) General environmental problems(2) Global warming(3) Air pollution, water contamination, river/ocean pollution(4) Water shortage, food problems(5) Deforestation, desertification, loss of biodiversity(6) Peoples’ lifestyles, waste problems(7) Environmental problems and economic/foreign trade activities(8) Population, poverty, status of women(9) Other:2.
Progress Toward Agenda 21
Eighteen years have passed since Agenda 21 was adopted as an “action plan for theenvironment and development” at the Earth Summit in 1992. Please indicate the progressmade in your country in the past year for the following 10 categories taken fromthe Agenda 21 action plan by circling one (1) letter on the scale of (a) to (e) for eachcategory.

s
e
ess s
in gres
rm ro
r
es
s
t p ogr dete o p res
n
n
r
g
ca
ot ost pro
ep
ifi
gi n om ann Alm No
SSC( 1 ) Promotion of environmental education.............................................................................. (a)( 2 ) Activities by local governments and citizens’ groups........................................................ (a)( 3 ) Scientific/technological contributions................................................................................ (a)( 4 ) Formation of recycling systems......................................................................................... (a)( 5 ) Conservation of forest resources........................................................................................ (a)( 6 ) Conservation of biodiversity.............................................................................................. (a)( 7 ) Greenhouse gas prevention measures................................................................................. (a)( 8 ) Population/poverty problems............................................................................................. (a)( 9 ) Lifestyle alteration ............................................................................................................ (a)(10) Environmental measures by industry................................................................................. (a)

42

r
og

(b)
(b)
(b)
(b)
(b)
(b)
(b)
(b)
(b)
(b)

(c)
(c)
(c)
(c)
(c)
(c)
(c)
(c)
(c)
(c)

(d)
(d)
(d)
(d)
(d)
(d)
(d)
(d)
(d)
(d)

(e)
(e)
(e)
(e)
(e)
(e)
(e)
(e)
(e)
(e)

II. MAIN FOCUS OF THE CURRENT YEAR'S QUESTIONNAIRE
3.	Evaluating the 15th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change(COP15)
	COP15, held last year in Denmark, was seen as an important barometer for the path of future international
cooperation. In addition to the increased presence of high greenhouse gas emitting countries like the UnitedStates, China, and India, there were several new developments at the conference. The conference concluded withan agreement by the participants to “take note” of The Copenhagen Accord, a statement of intention including
an overall goal to limit global warming to two degrees.
3-1. Evaluating COP15/The Copenhagen Accord and Its Effects
Given such results, how do you evaluate COP15? Please select either “it should be commended”
or “it cannot be commended” and circle two items from the list that best reflects your rationale.
□ It should be commended.
Reason:1. Clarification of goals: The Copenhagen Accord set clear guidelines to “limit global warming to two degrees
Celsius from the pre-industrial era” as an overall goal. The accord also set a midterm goal for developed countries to voluntarily report its greenhouse gas reduction targets by 2020, and for developing countries to determineand submit a list of emission suppression measures.
2. The addition of aid to developing countries: The accord established additional funding to support global warming prevention totaling $30 billion from developed countries from 2010 – 2011, and $100 billion annually thereafter until 2020. Further, the accord stipulated that aid disbursement to developing countries will take placethrough the fund, “Copenhagen Green Climate Fund.”3. International verification of emissions reductions: The accord requires international verification of projects indeveloping countries funded by aid, and of emissions reductions in developed countries.
4. Developing countries with high CO2 emissions like China and India announced reductions goals for the firsttime, making reductions by developing countries an item open for discussion.
5. All major economies of the world including the United States and China have accepted some level of responsibility to act in order to counter climate change, paving the ground for emissions reductions schemes at future COP
conventions.

□ It cannot be commended.
Reason:1. It failed to meet the international pledge made at COP13 to “formulate a post-2012 international framework toaddress global warming at COP15.”
2. The goal to limit global warming to two degrees Celsius is insufficient; it is an acceptance of significant futureclimate problems.
3. The agreement at COP15 is limited to “taking note” to the Copenhagen Accord and lacks legal enforceability;
the requirement to report emissions reductions goals is not accompanied by an obligation to meet them.
4. While emissions reduction goals of developed countries are subject to international verification, in developing
countries, only projects funded by aid are required to come under scrutiny, reducing its effectiveness.
5. The draft of the Copenhagen Accord was written by a small group of countries, and with only a limited time
afforded to deliberating the proposal, it lacks in transparency, impartiality, and fairness.
6. Major emitting countries like the United States, China, and the European Union have too much say, and theconference did not reflect the diversity of opinions of the 192 participating countries.

43

3-2. The Conference Process at COP15
At COP15, opinions diverged along multi-polar lines, clustering into developed countries, BRICs (Brazil, Russia, India,
China), developing countries, and others. At the same time, without unanimous approval, the Copenhagen Accord
lacks legal enforceability, exposing its limits.
Please circle one item from the following list that best reflects your opinion.
1. The principle of unanimous consensus at COP, which precludes the passage of a resolution with any opposition,is extremely important in order to reflect diverse opinions and to guarantee unified international action. As suchit should be maintained; it also served a role in the last conference.
2. As participants diverge in a multi-polar world, unanimous consent has reached its limits. A set of mechanisms
and procedures to resolve differences, separate from the conventional COP procedures, need to be developed.
3. Although unanimous consent is ideal, it is not essential. This round affirmed the continuation of deliberations
through COP, and can be commended as a starting point for future international discussions on climate change.
4. There are parts of the operation of the conference that lack openness and transparency. The inability to gather
sufficient information and communicate thoroughly fueled misunderstanding among participating countries.
5. Other:

4. The Outlook for COP16
COP16, scheduled to take place in Mexico this December, will be closely watched for whether
or not a consensus will arise on a future framework to counter global warming, as well as its
implementation and aid. Please circle two items from the following list that best reflects yourbarometer for the success of COP16.
1. Finalization and commitment to a midterm goal among developed countries.
2. Acceptance of international verification of reduction measures by high emitting developing countries like China
and India.
3. The establishment of mechanisms to aid developing countries to counter global warming.
4. The establishment of mechanisms like international carbon taxes, emissions trading, and other schemes including REDD and NAMAs.
5. The gathering and reflection of diverse opinions, including those from G-77 and island nations.

5. Immediately preceding COP15 last year, emails and documents from the Climatic Research Unit of the Universityof East Anglia in England were breached, leading global warming skeptics to flood climate scientists with messages
alleging their global warming data were fraudulent.
Following the incident, leaders including United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, British Prime Minister
Gorden Brown, and White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs issued statements maintaining that their stance on thefacts of global warming had not changed.
Please circle one item from the following list that best reflects your opinion.
1. My understanding of climate change has not changed; it has not been affected by the recent skepticism.
2. I have believed in the veracity of climate change, but have become slightly skeptical.
3. I no longer believe that climate change is occurring.
4. I was not aware of the controversy.

6. Emissions reductions by developed countries are indispensable to protect the global environment. But alongside
those efforts, emissions reductions by developing countries (especially high CO2 emitting developing countries like
China and India) have surfaced as an important area to address. In order to attain this outcome, the simultaneousachievement of emissions reductions and economic growth for developing countries (especially high CO2 emitting
developing countries like China and India) has become an unavoidable obstacle. Please provide your thoughts about
the possibility of attaining this outcome, and how it might be achieved.

44

7. The outlook for COP10
7-1. The Relationship Between People and Biodiversity
At COP10, scheduled for this October in Nagoya, Japan, participants will discuss strategies related to biodiversity.
Central to these strategies will be the consideration for the relationship between people and biodiversity. What do you
think are the most important factors that could affect the relationship between people and biodiversity? Please selectthree items from the following list that best reflects your opinion.
1. Establishment of an international framework to protect and monitor biodiversity.
2. Conservation and rehabilitation of biodiversity through protecting species and ecosystems.
3. Containment of activities that affect biodiversity like hunting, logging, fishing, and gathering.
4. Reconstruction of traditional, harmonious relationships between people and biodiversity with ecologicallyfriendly customs.
5. Sustainable expansion of uses of biodiversity like forests and oceans.
6. Food supply expansion through means like intensive agriculture and poverty reduction.
7. Development of technology and products based on the characteristics of species, like biomimicry.
8. Use of genetically modified organisms.

7-2. Expectations for COP10
What do you expect to be the potential areas that could develop as a result of the momentum
from the Convention on Biodiversity (COP10) this year? Please select three items from the following
list that best reflects your opinion.
1. Acceleration of specific discussions about biodiversity protection measures.
2. Establishment of legal regulations to protect the rights of the country of origin of genetic resources, as well as
the accurate and equitable distribution of profits and technology gained through their use.
3. Advancement of international discussions regarding sustainable agriculture and fisheries grounded in traditions throughout the world.
4. Further linkages between biodiversity protection and climate change initiatives.
5. Progress in the Economics of Biodiversity (TEEB), and biodiversity considerations becoming more pervasivein corporate activities.
6. Similar to the treatment of climate change, the introduction of a political decision making process at theheads-of-state level at the Convention on Biodiversity like those at G-8 summits.
7. Establishment of an international mechanism to strengthen cooperation between policy and the science of
biodiversity, and the development of biodiversity policies at the country or local level.
8. Expansion of school education to encourage interest in biodiversity, public relations activities by government
agencies, and greater media coverage.
9. Advancement of ecosystems monitoring and the expansion of international information sharing.

45

7-3. Priorities for Post-2010 Objectives
Numerous discussions are taking place regarding objectives for the next 10 years. Please selecttwo items from the following list that you think are particularly important priorities.
1. Recognize the value of biodiversity, which has inherent economic value, and fundamentally halt biodiversity
loss by making it a primary concern of society.
2. Reduce direct pressures on biodiversity like deforestation and overexploitation of natural resources, and promote its sustainable use.
3. Protect ecosystems, species diversity, and genetic diversity by protecting at minimum 15% of land and water
deemed significant for biodiversity.
4. Improve the rehabilitation of ecosystems and enhance their carbon absorbing/sequestering capabilities, andcontribute to climate change and desertification prevention.
5. Promote biodiversity conservation and its sustainable use, and the fair and equitable distribution of profits
from the use of genetic resources through establishing domestic and international frameworks, utilizing knowledge, and improving capabilities.

8. Feel free to write comments on any topic related to environmental problems. Use additional paper if required.

46

Results of the 19th Annual“Questionnaire on Environmental Problems and the Survival of Humankind”

REPORT
September 2010
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If you have inquiries regarding this questionnaire,
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