Table of Contents

Preface: Understand it as Our Own Problem and Act for Change!

2

Chapter 1. Recent Trends toward a Decarbonised Society

4Section 1. From “Climate Change” to “Climate Crisis”

4

Section 2. Realising a Sustainable Society based on 100% Renewable Energy

5

Chapter 2. Crisis in the Forests and for Biodiversity

10

Section 1. Why are Our Forests Falling into Decline?

10

Section 2. Impact of Deforestation on Biodiversity

10

Section 3. Roles of Forests on Climate Change Mitigation

11

Section 4. Our Actions to Protect Forests

11

Chapter 3. Chemical Substances
Section 1. How Should We Deal with the Threat of Endocrine-disrupting Chemicals?

12
12

Section 2. Progress in the Ministry of the Environment’s “Japan Environment andChildren’s Study (JECS)” and Future Challenges

Chapter 4. The Ongoing Disaster in Fukushima

13
14

Section 1. How to Confront the Accumulating Problems of Decommissioning,
and the Amount and Outcome of Radioactive Waste

Section 2. The Aftermath for the People of Fukushima

14
16

Green Alliance Japan Members Involved in Green Watch 2020

20

Section Authors

22

Preface:
Understand it as Our Own Problem and Act for Change!
In this critical situation where various environmental threats, such as climate change, have reached increasingly
dire proportions and the very survival of humankind is in question, it is essential to solve these issues by fundamental policy changes based on ethical, political and science-based decision-making. And for that purpose, ourwisdom will be key to successfully shift norms in society. However, fundamental policy changes have only inchedforward in Japan, as the Japanese government continues to prioritise policies that emphasise short-term economic
growth. Deeply concerned about these deplorable policy trends, environmental NGOs/NPOs in Japan establishedthe Green Alliance Japan (GAJ) in June 2015 with the purpose of acting and advocating together to overcome vari-

ous environmental issues and to build a democratic, fair, and sustainable society that pays careful attention to theenvironment (which is the foundation for all life and human activities).
June 2020 will mark the sixth year since the establishment of the GAJ. Over the years, the environment has increasingly deteriorated, and with the addition of social issues such as widening inequalities, we are falling far short ofour vision of a sustainable society where all people can safely and securely lead spiritually-rich lives. Meanwhile,even as we citizens are concerned about the issues of climate change and plastic waste, we often forget that theroot cause of these problems lies within us and unwittingly lead lives that increase the burden on the environment.

We are all victims and perpetrators
With respect to climate change, for example, CO2 emissions from households amount to about 5% of Japan’s
total emissions, with about half coming from electricity
use and 22.3% from household gasoline use.

earthquakes. Thus, the use of nuclear power should besuspended immediately.
It is important for us to promote energy efficiency andchoose the source of our electricity wisely, because,
although it supports our comfortable and convenient
lifestyles, electricity also puts a range of burdens on theenvironment through its production.

However, when we look at Japan as a whole, thermal
power generated from fossil fuels accounts for 80% of
the total emissions, although the methods used to gen-erate power differ depending on the power company.
This means that, as we use electricity, we are indirectly
emitting massive amounts of CO2. By contrast, althoughrenewable energy is considered to be the “ace in the

As for plastic, it has become an integral part of our daily
lives and business activities. Each year, 400 million tonnesof plastic are produced worldwide, of which 9.1 million

hole” for mitigating global warming, it has not become
popular in Japan. In addition, since nuclear power emits
almost no CO2 emissions, some people still promote
this form of power generation as a measure to prevent
further global warming. However, we have experienced

tonnes have become the cause of marine pollution. In
Japan, about 70 kg of plastic is used per capita annually,

with single-use plastic litter causing waste problems anddestroying marine ecosystems. Since plastic is produced
from petroleum, and the chemical substances that are
frequently used as plasticising agents interfere with malea nuclear disaster in Fukushima, which has deprived
many people, including future generations, of their lives,

sex hormones, we may need to halt the use of single-use
plastic for the time being, as it has a profound connec-

health, and assets. Nuclear power may have devastating
implications for local communities and nature, and treatment methods and nuclear waste sites in Japan have yet
to be determined. Japan itself is also a nation prone totion not only to waste problems, but also issues related
to climate change and chemical substances.

2

Re-examining and simultaneously transforming our lifestyles and socioeconomic systems
toward environmental sustainability
capitalism and demanding that the system be re-examined.

Environmental issues stem not only from our lifestyles,
but also from socio-economic systems. To solve these is-sues, we should fundamentally change policy directions..
We must revisit our human desires and values to makeThe technological progress we have made since the In-

life “more convenient and more affluent”, and re-examine the economic systems (capitalism), science, and technologies that have made the constant growth possible.

dustrial Revolution has been remarkable. However, technology is a “double-edged sword”, because, although
it is quite useful, it also carries the risk of causing great
harm. In recent years, technology linked to a massive
amount of capital and authority has often placed a significant burden on the environment. When developing
and using technology, we must consider whether suchtechnology truly contributes to the well-being of people
and the sustainability of society, and whether it will notbring environmental burdens to the society. For this,society as a whole must engage in the process to decideon its appropriate development and use.

Without realising it, our desires have expanded to thepoint where they exceed planetary boundaries. While
not all of these desires are bad, in this finite global environment, we must control our desires that threaten to
break through the planetary boundaries. We must operate within the limits of regulations even in a free andequal society, so that we can leave a better environment
for the next generation.
Today’s economic systems are based on the principles
of expansion and growth. However, in a finite global
environment, it is impossible to continue expanding andgrowing. Nonetheless, we are expanding markets, cap-

At the time of writing this White Paper, the novel coronavirus (causing COVID-19) has spread around the world,
resulting in the loss of countless precious lives andcausing an unprecedented level of damage to society
and the economy. Similar to environmental issues, thistured by the conventional idea that forever encourages
economic growth, and this has become the cause of awide range of environmental issues.

is also intimately related to our lifestyles and globalisedsocio-economic systems. To address COVID-19 and thethreat of similar pandemics, in addition to our consideration of others, ethical, political and science-based
decision-making will be absolutely necessary. Again, ourMoreover, capitalism is causing not only environmental issues, but also problems with the concentration of
wealth and economic disparity. A 2019 report by theinternational non-profit organisation Oxfam contains
shocking data showing that 26 of the world’s richest
people own wealth equal to the collective assets of 3.8

wisdom will play an important role to change policies
toward a large-scale social transformation.

We hope that everyone will gain an accurate understanding of the current state of the environment andtake action on their own to make a substantial societal
change, rather than relying on others to act. In this way,
we can ensure that people all over the world can live

billion of the world’s most impoverished. Expanding the
economic scale does not mean that it will lead to thewell-being of all people, and the “trickle-down” theory
is unrealistic. The economy, which should be a meansof enhancing people’s well-being, is causing disparities,
as well as human rights and environmental issues, andsafely in a resilient, democratic, fair and sustainable society, and leave the environment and society in a better
state for the next generation.

many people have been pointing out the limitations of3

Chapter 1
Recent Trends toward a Decarbonised Society
Section 1. From “Climate Change” to “Climate Crisis”
In 2019, Japan was hit by a series of serious climate disasters, including Typhoons Faxai in September and Hagibis in Oc-

tober. Japan, which has repeatedly suffered climate disasters that have been said to occur once every 50 to 100 years, wasranked as the country most affected by climate change in the world in the “Global Climate Risk Index 2020” published by
the German environmental NGO Germanwatch. result in deforestation and a decline in species and populations.

1. Exponential extinction of species
The issue of climate change is increasingly being referred

The 25th Conference of the Parties (COP25) to the United

may occur in the future. The UN Climate Action Summit

FCCC) was held in Madrid, Spain, after the meeting wasto as a current climate crisis rather than something that

Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UN-2019 was held at the United Nations headquarters in New

hastily relocated from Santiago, Chile one month before it

York on 23 September 2019 under the leadership of Sec-was due to take place. A decision called the “Chile Madrid

retary-General António Guterres. The Secretary-General

Time for Action” was adopted at the conference; however,called on all leaders to gather at the UN Climate Action

consensus could not be reached on some of the pending

Summit with concrete and realistic plans to enhance theirissues in the Paris Agreement’s implementation guide-

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by 2020, inlines, and the meeting concluded with the decision to ta-line with reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45% overble unresolved issues to the following year.

the next 10 years, and to achieve net zero emissions by
2050.

2. Delayed Response by the Japanese Government & Actions by Local Governments(1) “Long-term Strategy under the Paris Agreement” de-the public. In response to a request for information disclo-cided behind closed doors

sure, all the remarks and comments by expert members

had been redacted from the over 160-page meeting min-

In June 2019, the Japanese government submitted theutes. Furthermore, public comments were perfunctorily

country’s “Long-term Strategy under the Paris Agree-

invited over a period of less than three weeks between

ment” to the Secretariat of the UNFCCC as its long-term

25 April and 16 May, which included the traditional long

low greenhouse gas emission development strategy un-

holiday period and a Cabinet decision was reached in Juneder the Paris Agreement. However, the strategy repeat-

without modifications to the content.

edly emphasises “disruptive innovation”, as if the problem
can be solved by problematic technologies that have noclear prospects for practical use such as carbon capture(2) Japan criticised by the international community for its

novative nuclear reactors, justifying the continued use of

In 2019, the global cry to phase out coal grew louder thanuse of coalutilisation and storage (CCUS), space solar power, and infossil fuels and nuclear power.

ever. Since 2012, 15 coal power plants in Japan had newly
been put into operation, with 15 additional plants underIn addition, the process leading up to this decision is also

construction. The fact that Japan is the only developed

considered to be problematic. A series of expert meetings

country that has increased the number of coal power

set up to formulate the long-term strategy was closed toplants over the past 10 years and has hefty investments
4and loans in coal power overseas, prompted the UN Sec-ernment submitted the NDC to the UN on 30 March 2020,

retary-General to refer to the situation as an “addiction toand the target remained unchanged.)coal”.

(4) Commitments to net zero carbon and climate emergency declarations by local governments

Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi attended the UN

Climate Action Summit and COP25 and stressed that he

Carbon-zero declarations by local governments were

was aware of the criticism Japan received for its relianceprominently in evidence in 2019. In succession, the heads

on coal, but in the end, was unable to show any directionof local governments issued statements on net zero car-forward or a concrete plan for cutting back on the coun-bon emissions by 2050. By the end of February 2020, a

try’s use.

total of 74 local governments, including the Tokyo Metro-

politan Government and Osaka Prefecture, have declared(3) Nonexistent action to enhance Japan’s reduction tar-

their commitments. These localities have a combined pop-

gets

ulation of about 56 million (44% of the total population).

The most pressing issue for climate change policies is theneed to raise targets in the NDCs. Japan’s greenhouse gas

In addition, following in the footsteps of Iki City in Naga-

compared to 2013, which is equivalent to about an 18%

September 2019, climate emergency declarations were an-saki Prefecture which declared a “climate emergency” inemission reduction target is a 26% reduction by 2030 as
reduction from the 1990 base year under the Kyoto Pro-

nounced by Kamakura City (Kanagawa Prefecture), Haku-

ba Village (Nagano Prefecture), Nagano Prefecture, Ooki

tocol. However, the Japanese government had made noTown (Fukuoka Prefecture), Chikuma City (Nagano Prefec-

attempt to revise its NDC and was considering to re-sub-

mit the NDC without changing the target. Concernedture), Hokuei Town (Tottori Prefecture), Sakai City (Osaka(CAN-Japan), a network of environmental NGOs involved

will be vital for civil society to monitor these movements

about this situation, the Climate Action Network Japan

Prefecture), and Kanagawa Prefecture by February 2020. It

in climate change issues, issued a statement to call on theto ensure that momentum can be carried forward beyond

Japanese government to raise the nation’s greenhousea simple declaration.

gas emission reduction targets. (Note: The Japanese gov-

3. Actions by YouthMillions of young people are engaged in climate action.

an immediate transition to a fair and equitable society us-

Greta Thunberg, who crossed the Atlantic by boat to at-

ing 100% renewable energy.

tend the Climate Action Summit in New York, delivered
scathing criticism to the policymakers gathered at the

Even in Japan, young people are starting to organise cli-action. A total of 7.6 million people across the world tooktime of the Global Climate Strike on 20 September 2019,

summit, warning them of the need to take immediate

mate strikes every Friday (Fridays for Future (FFF)). At thepart in global actions around the time of the Climate Sum-

marches were held in 23 prefectures from Hokkaido to
Okinawa with the participation of more than 5,000 peo-mit, urging world leaders to (1) completely phase out theple who called on the national and local governments touse of fossil fuels, (2) end deforestation and forest fires instrengthen climate policies.

the rainforests of the Amazon and Indonesia, and (3) make5Section 2. Realising a Sustainable Society Based on 100% Renewable Energy
In 2019, Japan was hit by a series of serious climate disasters, including Typhoons Faxai in September and Hagibis in Oc-

tober. Japan, which has repeatedly suffered climate disasters that have been said to occur once every 50 to 100 years, wasranked as the country most affected by climate change in the world in the “Global Climate Risk Index 2020” published by
the German environmental NGO Germanwatch. result in deforestation and a decline in species and populations.

1. How Much Progress Has Been Made in Introducing Renewable Energy?
Japan lacks a clear long-term target for introducing re-

In comparison to Germany, which has a similar land areain Europe. Inadequate policies advocating the use of RE

pears likely to lag behind by at least 10 years, mainly be-

and economic power as Japan, the introduction of RE ap-

newable energy (RE) and lags far behind its counterparts

cause of delays in setting clear RE targets and related en-

between the 1990s and 2010 have suppressed its shareergy policies, as well as the development of infrastructure

in annual power generation to about 10%. Although theand markets for RE. Therefore, a bold shift in energy pol-Feed-in Tariff (FIT) scheme launched in 2012 following the

Fukushima disaster on 11 March 2011 increased the shareicy is required to make the transition to decarbonisationof RE (mainly solar power) to about 17% in fiscal 2018,

and 100% RE. This includes fully implementing electricity

it remains as low as 24% in the 2030 energy mix, which

system reform by 2020 and setting RE as the major powerforms the premise of the Strategic Energy Plan (Cabinet

source, while also raising targets for 2030 and establishingdecision in 2018). No consideration has been given to rais-

medium- to long-term targets for 2040 and 2050.

ing the targets for introducing RE, and long-term targets
for 2050 have not yet been set.

Figure 2-1-1: Changes in the share of RE in annual power generation in Europe and Japan
Source: Created by the author based on statistical data from the EU (EUROSTAT, Agora Energiewende, etc.)62. Actions Set in Motion for the Use of 100% Renewable Energy
Since 2007, a project known as “Energy Sustainable Zone”

The Global 100% RE Platform in Japan was launched intrends in the RE supply by region in Japan. By identifying

tic use. In November 2017, the Chiba University of Com-has been conducted annually to clarify the status and2017, with a Japanese language website set up for domes-

those regions that supply proportionally greater amounts

merce announced its declaration to become a university

of RE through regional assessment of prefectures andpowered by 100% RE, and has promoted the introduction

municipalities, sustainable areas can be increased in theof LED lighting and solar power. By February 2019, thefuture. According to data on sustainable zones for ener-

university had achieved one of its goals by implementing

solar power generation projects equivalent to its annualgy published in March 2020 (based on figures from fiscal

power demand. The university will continue to work to-2018), it is estimated that 186 municipalities, which arecalled “electricity sustainable zones”, are supplying RE at awards 100% RE in final energy consumption (including

share that exceeds 100% of the electricity demand.

gas). In October 2019, the Green Purchasing Network(GPN), the Japan Climate Leaders’ Partnership (JCLP) andthe Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES)

More than 30 Japanese companies have already declared

launched a new initiative for small- and medium-sized en-their commitment to the use of 100% RE under RE100, a

global corporate leadership initiative to promote 100% RE.

terprises (SMEs) and local governments (business offices

At the municipal level, in May 2019, the U20 (Urban 20),only) to declare conversion to RE100 based on the same

created by the leaders of the world’s largest cities pre-standards as the RE100 for large corporations.

sented recommendations to the G20 Osaka Summit. This

communiqué, signed by Tokyo and Osaka together withthe leaders of the world’s foremost cities, stated that the

mayors “commit to decarbonising the energy grid, with
100% renewable electricity by 2030, and 100% renewableenergy by 2050”.

7

3. Full-scale Introduction of RE and Issues with the Reform of the FIT Scheme
More than seven years have passed since the FIT scheme

spread of small-scale solar power in each region until

use of RE, with the amount introduced increasing mainly

for local use do not include ones that are important in

was launched in 2012 as a powerful tool to expand thenow, will essentially be terminated. These requirements

in solar power. Under these circumstances, a Bill to fun-evaluating community-based energy projects, such as the“three principles of community power” and building social

damentally reform the FIT scheme from fiscal 2022 (partconsensus.

of the Bill for the Act of Partial Revision of the Electricity

Business Act and Other Acts for Establishing Resilient andSustainable Electricity Supply Systems) was deliberated

In addition, the process of local consensus building shouldnecessary to aim at disseminating true “locally-utilised

power generation plans in order to avoid problems with

be firmly entrenched in certification requirements for(and approved) in the Diet. Under this new system, it isthe development of large-scale solar power generation

renewable sources” that emphasise regionally-based en-

projects that are commonly seen in some areas. Active in-ergy projects and social consensus-building in order toutilise the abundant resources that exist in the region andformation disclosure and the participation of local stakeholders should also be encouraged.

allow RE to become a major power source. For this reason,
the continued use of the FIT scheme for “locally-utilised

renewable sources” (small-scale solar power, small hydro-

In addition, assuming that there are a number of flaws

ered under certain conditions after the “requirements fora FIP (feed-in premium) scheme and market integration

with the current bidding system, the hasty transition to

power, geothermal power, and biomass) is being consid-

may put the brakes on the solar power market, which has

local use” have been defined. However, with the addition

expanded over the past years, and may also deal a fatalof requirements for local use, such as self-consumption

blow to the wind power market, which lags far behind theand use during disasters, low-voltage solar power gener-

overseas market. For this reason, the current FIT scheme

ation systems (less than 50 kW) in particular, must achieve

for wind power should be improved after the introduction

at least a 30% self-consumption ratio ahead of scheduletargets for 2030 and beyond have been raised significant-from fiscal 2020, with the exception of ‘solar sharing’(Agrivoltaics) that meets certain requirements. This meansly, while the FIP scheme should be introduced after thethat the full FIT buy-back scheme, which has backed thepath to expanding the market has become clearly visible.

84. The issue of sustainability in biomass power generation
The FIT scheme has resulted in a rapid increase in bio-

combustion that is instantly released, which will become

assumption has been questioned in recent years. Certi-

forests for fuel as an alternative to fossil fuels means turn-

mass power. Long considered to be “carbon neutral”, thisnet emissions unless the forest is regenerated. Clearing
ing CO2 sinks into emission sources.

fications for power plants operated using palm oil have
jumped sharply as a result of the FIT scheme, and there
are about four currently in operation. The number ofImported wood pellets are mainly produced in Canada

palm kernel shells (PKS) has also increased rapidly. Un-

United States are expected to increase in the future. De-

thermal power plants using imported wood pellets andand Viet Nam, and imports from the east coast of thespite the significant amount of lifecycle GHGs from woody

used domestic lumber was expected to be used under thebiomass, there are serious reservations that it can be pur-FIT scheme, but problems related to collecting costs andstable procurement limited use to about 120,000 tonnes

chased through the FIT scheme at a high price, while dis-fuel grew rapidly. In 2018, imported wood fuel exceededpellets should be made of materials with certification fromper year, and large-scale plans for the use of imported

cussions on sustainability are inadequate. Imported wood

2.7 million tonnes, and the future looks to be packed withsystems such as that by the Forest Stewardship Council

plans for large-scale power generation projects by major(FSC). However, the FSC certification is not made to eval-corporations in trade and paper manufacturing.

uate biomass fuel, and therefore does not ensure thedecrease of GHG emissions. In addition, as demand rises

Power generation using palm oil has been noted as having

rapidly, there have been reports of cases in which logs

a variety of problems, including the depletion of tropicaland natural wood are being used as raw materials, andforests, exacerbation of climate change through the de-there are suspicions about fake certification, fuelling con-velopment of peatlands, land conflicts and human rights

cerns about deforestation or forest degradation and theissues for workers, and competition for food. The Ministry

impact on local communities. Imports of wood pellets andof Economy, Trade and Industry set up a “Biomass Sus-

PKS reached 1.06 million and 1.7 million tonnes respec-

tainability Working Group (WG)” in 2019, which showed

tively in 2018, and imported wood pellets are predictedthat greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from palm oil are

to increase to 7 million tonnes in the future. It is difficult

close to that of petroleum, and, in cases where tropicalto see problems in overseas production areas, requiring

forests and peatlands are developed, GHG emissions canmore careful measures to be put into place.

be between 5 to 139 times higher than that. The WG proposed (1) GHGs as a future issue and (2) only recognised

The objective of the FIT scheme is to reduce environmen-

Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) for certifi-

Reliance on imported fuel is ineffectual in curbing climate

the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and thetal impacts, promote industries, and revitalise regions.
change, and may even exacerbate it as a result of the de-cation. The WG indicated that the Malaysian Sustainable
Palm Oil (MSPO) and the Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oilvelopment of peatlands and deforestation. Unlike domes-(ISPO) were not on par with the RSPO in terms of childtic timber, which is expected to at least revitalise the forest

labour, forced labour and securing workers’ rights. How-

industry, a large portion of electricity costs will flow out

overseas, limiting its contribution to industrial promotion

ever, if RE does not have the expected effect of inhibiting

and regional revitalisation. The revision to the guidelines

GHG emissions, it is considered to be ill-suited as a target

for biomass power generation in 2020 stated that lifecycle

under the FIT scheme. It is necessary to focus on trends

GHG emissions will be considered for new fuels as well as

in how biomass power, which generates a large amountfuels that have already been certified. In the future, onlyof GHG emissions, will be handled in the future. In recent

efficient and effective “sustainable renewable energy” isyears, scientists have pointed out that GHG emissions

expected to fall under the FIT scheme.

from woody biomass is higher than that for coal, andthat there is a time lag issue in that it will take decades toaccumulate the same amount of CO2 amassed through9

Chapter 2
Crisis in the Forests and for Biodiversity
Section 1. Why are Our Forests Falling into Decline?
1. Deforestation as a result of the development of agricultural land
In 2018, 12 million hectares of tropical forests were lost,

expanding agricultural land, with vast swathes of forests

stored there into the atmosphere. If we think about theal products, such as beef, soybeans, palm oil, and forest

resulting in the release of the tremendous amounts of CO2

cleared for the purpose of cultivating not only agricultur-

effect of deforestation in tropical nations in terms of na-

products that are known to contribute to deforestation,

tional emissions, its greenhouse gas emissions rank third

but also tropical plants that are now commonplace in ourin the world, only after China and the United States. Eighty

everyday lives, such as coffee, cacao, rubber, and cassava.

percent of deforestation around the world is a result of

2. Deforestation associated with climate change
From 2018 to 2020, massive wildfires continued to burn

The frequency of forest fires due to climate change—such

States, Australia, and the Amazon in Brazil. In 2019 alone,tures, for example—also result in the emission of a large

around the world, including in California in the United

as reduced rainfall, arid conditions, and rising tempera-

California lost approximately 1,050 km2 of land and New

amount of greenhouse gases, trapping us in a vicious

cycle that again promotes climate change. There is con-South Wales in southeastern Australia saw a loss of overcern that climate change coupled with land development

100,000 km of land. The reasons cited for this loss include2

will continue to cause more serious forest fires, as well as

inadequate control systems for gas and power supply,

result in deforestation and a decline in species and popu-

cigarette butts and other forms of human carelessness,lations.

and conditions conducive to fires breaking out, such as
the large amount of oil found in eucalyptus trees being

set alight by lightning strikes, or other means. However,climate change is also considered to be a major factor.

Section 2. Impact of Deforestation on Biodiversity
1. Exponential extinction of species
Many have noted the possibility that the Earth is facing aappeared, and the little that remains covers only 10% of

sixth mass extinction. In contrast to the mass extinctions

the island today. Java is home to a great number of floraof the past, extinction today is being caused by humans.

and fauna, such as the Javan leopard and Javan gibbons

The primary causes of extinction include changes in land

which only live in the forest belt on this island, whichuse (deforestation, etc.), followed by over-exploitation andmeans that the loss of Java’s forests represents the extinc-climate change. Living organisms in tropical forests aretion of the island’s endemic wild species. Unfortunately,said to account for 50% to 80% of all organisms on Earth,this case of rapid biodiversity loss is one of many being

and the loss of tropical forests is having a significant im-

observed around the world, and the gravity of this issue

pact on biodiversity.

is described in assessments released by the Intergovern-

mental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Eco-For example, most of the forest covering the entire island

system Services (IPBES).1

of Java where the capital of Indonesia is located has dis-10

2. Impact on local ecosystems and people’s lives
Indeed, the impacts of deforestation on biodiversity doof water flowing into the lake during the rainy season has

ple, a fair amount of water flows into Tonle Sap Lake inof years in which the floodplain area has decreased dra-

not simply stop with the extinction of species. For exam-

diminished, and there have been an increasing number

the mid-western part of Cambodia from its catchment

matically. The causes behind these changes have beenarea during the rainy season. Fish lay eggs on the vast

noted as the effects of climate change, dam development

floodplain, and then migrate back to the lake. This is an

upstream, and deforestation in the catchment area. There

important dynamic system for the habitat of freshwater

is concern that the trend in declining water volume will

fish, which are a considerable source of protein for people

increase in the future, expanding the impact on people’s

living in Cambodia. However, in recent years, the amountlives.

Section 3. Roles of Forests on Climate Change Mitigation
Forests absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and store someIn order to limit temperature rise to below 2ºC (or evenof it in trees and soil. Significant climate change mitiga-

lower to 1.5ºC), we must promote the reduction of green-tion effects can be produced by controlling deforestation

house gas emissions and absorption of greenhouse gas

to reduce CO2 emissions, while also simultaneously re-from the atmosphere. Technology is being developed tostoring forests on land where they had once been lost to

reduce emissions from fossil fuel use to zero and cap-

absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. However, today, a large

ture CO2 released into the atmosphere. However, thereamount of CO2 emissions continues to be released due toare limitations to feasible technologies in the short term;

the loss of vast tracts of forest land. Naturally, actions re-the continuous emissions of CO2 over this period shorten

quire funding, but the amount of funding invested in na-

the time we have left each and every second. There is no

ture-based climate solutions is only a small fraction of theneed for major technological innovation for nature-based

total amount invested in the field of climate change and isclimate solutions, such as conservation and restoration of

far from reaching its full potential.

forests. It is these measures that will surely play a crucialrole to create effects in the short-term.

Section 4. Our Actions to Protect Forests
As consumers, we can protect forests by choosing what

Climate change and loss of biodiversity are issues that

we buy. Governance in tropical countries is generally weak,affect the future of the Earth and the human race, andso we as consumers must take care to check whether theforests have an integral role to play as a solution to these

agricultural products we purchase have not been pro-problems. We must envision a sustainable future, where

duced through forest destruction. Certification systems,

agricultural production and consumption no longer result

if available, provide a good basis for making decisions. If

in deforestation. The world is heading in this direction,such options do not exist, we could choose to reduce ourand Japanese consumers and all actors along the supply

consumption of such agricultural products. For example,

chain must take action.

beef has a significant impact on the environment, so why
not have it only on special occasions?

1: For more information, please see the Summary for Policymakers for a couple of key IPBES assessments, shown below:
Regional Assessment for Asia and the Pacific:
https://ipbes.net/assessment-reports/asia-pacific
Global Assessment:
https://ipbes.net/sites/default/files/inline/files/ipbes_global_assessment_report_summary_for_policymakers.pdf
11Chapter 3
Chemical Substances
Section 1. How Should We Deal with the Threat of Endocrine-disrupting Chemicals?
The EU finally took the historic first step of introducing regulations some twenty years after Dr. Theo Colborn co-authored

Our Stolen Future in 1996, blowing the whistle on the disruption of hormones in the human body caused by artificial
chemical substances. However, in Japan, endocrine-disrupting chemicals are no longer considered to be a problem, so thisnews from the EU was not taken up by the media nor has the Japanese government made any moves to introduce regulations. This chapter will report on the significance of the problems of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, as well as the current
situation of countermeasures in Japan and the challenges faced.

1. What are “Endocrine-disrupting Chemicals”? What Kinds of Effects Do They Have?
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC) are artificial chemi-

For example, although organic phosphorus pesticides hadof hormones in the body, causing a range of illnesses.

es, they have subsequently been found to disrupt thyroid

cal substances that disrupt the normal messenger systembeen perceived as having no effect on humans at low doshormonal functions even in small amounts. This disruption

Paracelsus’ idea in the 15th century that “All things areof thyroid hormonal functions has been shown to havepoison, and nothing is without poison: the dose alone

enormous consequences for fetal brain development andmakes a thing not a poison” (or more succinctly written as

has also been associated with postnatal cognitive decline“the dose makes the poison”) still forms the basis of risk

and the onset of autism and ADHD. Chemicals such as

assessments for chemical substances today. However, thebisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates are associated with obe-

EDC issue acts as the devil’s advocate to this basic prin-sity and have also been identified as the cause of obesity,

ciple. In other words, even a tiny amount of EDC, which

diabetes and heart disease.

might be considered safe by conventional standards, may
affect human health by disrupting hormones.

2. Movements in the EU and the Current Situation in Japan
Regulations for biocidal products and plant protectants

Under the Food Sanitation Act, the use of some phthalates

ates and BPA were designated as substances of very highas for toys that children may put in their mouths; however,(pesticides) were introduced in the EU in 2018. Phthal-is banned in appliances, containers and packaging, as wellconcern (SVHC) under the EU’s Registration, Evaluation,

regulations do not exist for other products, and phthal-

Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals regulation

ates are used in large quantities as plasticising agent for(REACH) in 2017 and are regulated as substances subject

plastics, such as vinyl chloride.

to authorisation.

Although standards have been established for BPA under

Meanwhile, Japan has been very slow to take any action.

the Food Sanitation Act for appliances, containers andIn Japan, regulations on EDCs when registering pesticides

packaging made with polycarbonate, these standards do

are non-existent. Therefore, when pesticides are regis-

not take into consideration endocrine disrupting effects attered, there are no requirements to submit testing data

low doses and no regulations are in place for other appli-

showing the presence or absence, as well as strength ofcations.

any endocrine disrupting effects.

123. Recommendations to the Japanese Government● An immediate ban on the use of EDCs for agricultural chemicals, as is the case in the EU.

● Labelling requirement for phthalates and BPA, strengthening of existing standards, and regulation of their use incanned goods, toys and school supplies, daily necessities, electrical products, cosmetics, housing construction materials,
etc

Section 2. Progress in the Ministry of the Environment’s “Japan Environment
and Children’s Study (JECS)” and Future Challenges
The Ministry of the Environment launched a large-scale cohort study called JECS in 2010 to clarify whether chemicals in theenvironment affect the health of children. The survey has since reached a turning point. Here, we will present an outline of
the study and what has been learned so far.

1. What is the JECS?

2. Progress of the JECSThe JECS is a large-scale, long-term cohort study that

During the recruiting period between fiscal 2010 andbiological samples, such as blood and urine, breast milkpregnant women registering to take part, which exceeded

2013, the study got off to a promising start with 100,323

recruits 100,000 parents and children in Japan to analyse

the target number. As of August 2019, this figure stands at

and hair, and track the health of newborns until they reach

95,557, slightly lower than that at the time these children

the age of 13. The aim of the study is to clarify the effects

were born; however, the participation rate has remainedof chemicals in the environment on children’s growthhigh at 95% and the study is attracting attention fromand development. Based on the results of the survey,

around the world.

appropriate environmental risk assessments are carried
that consider the vulnerabilities of children with the aim

to create an environment that allows the next generation

Analyses on metals in maternal blood (lead, cadmium,central hypothesis that “environmental factors, includ-

as well as the effects of cigarette smoke in maternal urine.

mercury, manganese and selenium) have been completed,of children to grow up in good health. JECS examines the

However, no data has been published on pesticides anding exposure to chemicals during fetal development andphthalates. The publication of this data must be expediat-childhood, have an impact in several domains: reproduc-tive or pregnancy complications, congenital anomalies,ed.

neuropsychiatric disorders, immune system deficits orallergic responses, and metabolic or endocrine systemdysfunctions”.

3. What We Know
Fifty-four academic papers have been written as of Janu-● When 14,847 pregnant women were divided into foursummarised below.

the frequency of pre-term births was 1.9 times higher ingroups ranging from low to high cadmium levels in blood,ary 2020. The main findings from those investigations are

the highest group compared to the group with the lowest●Metal concentrations in maternal blood (during preg-

concentrations.

nancy)

Data can be found in the table below. Lead levels have de-● Males born to mothers who redesigned the interior ofcompared to a survey carried out in the 1980’s.

have external genital abnormalities (undescended testes,

their homes while pregnant were 1.81 times more likely tocreased between 1/5 to 1/10 and cadmium to about 1/10

hypospadias) than children born to mothers who did not.

Table 1: Metal concentrations in maternal blood (during pregnancy) (17,997 women) (Unit: ㎍/L)

Mercury

Lead

Cadmium

Manganese

Selenium

Min. value

0.35

0.16

0.10

4.35

105

Median

3.83

0.63

0.70

16.1

178

Max. value

30.6

7.45

4.97

44.5

390

● There was a lower percentage of boys born to fathers

who worked in professions using pesticides more thanonce a week for a period of three months before theirpartner became pregnant.
13

Chapter 4
The Ongoing Disaster in Fukushima
Section 1. How to Confront the Accumulating Problems of Decommissioning,
and the Amount and Outcome of Radioactive Waste
1. Current Status and Challenges in Decommissioning the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant(Including the Problem of Releasing Tritium-contaminated Water into the Ocean)On 27 December 2019, Tokyo Electric Power Company

Contaminated water is generated because molten fuel“Mid- to Long-term Roadmap towards the Decommission-

through an Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS).

Holdings (hereinafter referred to as “TEPCO”) revised its

continues to cool and remains behind after passing

ing of TEPCO’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station

Currently, about 1.2 million tonnes of contaminated water

Units 1-4”.1 In this revision, the timeline for removing spentis being stored in tanks, increasing by 170 tonnes daily.

The large volume of water generated is an indication that

fuel stored in the fuel pool was pushed back. Fuel removal

the installed frozen soil wall is not functioning properly,

from Unit 1 is scheduled to start between fiscal 2027 andand the application of this technology, which had not

2028, while the process for Unit 2 is scheduled to begin

been put to practical use, is causing the situation we see

between fiscal 2024 and 2026. TEPCO reasoned that thetoday.

pushing back the timeline for removal is due to a change
in the removal method. However, if we consider the factthat preparatory work has already started, perhaps the

According to documents released by TEPCO, the content

apparent during the process. The revised roadmap also

more than 70% of the tanks storing contaminated water.

of radionuclides other than tritium exceeds standards inchange resulted from unexpected difficulties that became

This is because there was a period in which the filters ofsets fiscal 2031 as the completion of fuel removal from all

the removal processing equipment were not changed asUnits, including Units 5 and 6. This is about 10 years be-frequently in order to speed up the treatment of contam-

hind schedule.

inated water. TEPCO has indicated that it will re-purify
ALPS-treated water to reduce strontium, cesium and other

In February 2019, TEPCO conducted a contact investiga-

radionuclides so that they fall below standard values whention of Unit 2, and they were able to grip and move a de-releasing the water into the ocean. At this time, the total

posit believed to be fuel debris (a 30-cm range). Current2

amount of tritium in the tanks is estimated at 860 trillion

ly, work has started on the design and manufacturing of

becquerels.

retrieval equipment and containers for storing fuel debris.
Retrieval will start from 2021 as scheduled.

However, the completion date for decommissioning
measures, which is between 2041 and 2051, remains un-changed in the revised roadmap. Under the basic principleof “coexistence of reconstruction and decommissioning”
in Fukushima Prefecture, there seems to be opposition todelays in the plan; therefore, the total decommissioning

period remains unchanged at “within 40 years”. However,

1: TEPCO. “ Mid- to Long-term Roadmap towards the Decommissioning of TEPCO’s

this is evoking a contradiction on the issue of contaminat-

Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station Units.” 27 December 2019.

https://www.tepco.co.jp/decommission/information/committee/roadmap/ pdf/2019/ed water in particular.

t191227_04-j.pdf

14

2. Start of Operations of Interim Storage Facilities for Contaminated Waste and Associated Challenges
The Ministry of the Environment plans to build an 11-km2

top and the soil is further buried up to a height of 15 m inPower Plant to store 22 million m3 of contaminated waste

rently excluded from the above process, will be handled ininterim storage facility near the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear

three 5-m layers. Waste that exceeds 100,000 Bq/kg, curthe future.

generated from decontamination works for 30 years af-

ter which it will be transported outside the prefecture.
More than 70% of the site has been secured, and waste

Although it is difficult to secure land, the possibility ofEnvironmental Storage & Safety Corporation (JESCO),

after 30 years will prove to be even more challenging.

transporting contaminated soil outside the prefectureis starting to be shipped in from various areas. The Japan

Perhaps in anticipation of this, the Ministry of the Environ-which will operate this facility, has been established with

100% financial investment by the government. According

ment is aiming to use contaminated soil with a radioactive

to the company, a site has been secured for an interim

level of 8,000 Bq/kg or lower in public projects around thestorage facility with a capacity of 14 million m . However,country in order to reduce the volume of soil to be stored.

3

However, no progress has been seen. This is because

this volume was calculated as of October 2018 and does

plans to use contaminated soil as roadbed materials in Ni-

not include contaminated waste exceeding 100,000 Bq/kg

or waste generated (or expected to be generated) in areas

honmatsu City and Odaka Junction on the Joban Express-

within the difficult-to-return zone. For this reason, the vol-way have faltered in the face of strong opposition fromlocal residents. In the meantime, only a farmland reclama-ume of waste is expected to increase in the future.

tion demonstration project in the Nagadoro area of Iitate
Village is moving forward at the expense of decontamina-

Since contaminated soil started to be transported in 2015,
5.798 million m has been shipped (as of 30 January 2020).

tion efforts in the difficult-to-return zone.

tags attached to all flexible containers, which are sorted

There are two reasons for opposing the use of contam-

and then transported to different storage locations byradioactive substances should be centrally managed to3

After arrival, the source area is registered according to theand classified according to the degree of contamination,inated soil in public projects. Firstly, as a general rule,a belt conveyor system. Long conveyors are over 1 km.

avoid spreading them around the country from the per-Contaminated soil is placed directly on a water permeable

spective of environmental protection. Secondly there issheet at the site to where it has been transported and isconcern that the use of contaminated soil as roadbed ma-buried up to a height of 5 m. Next, bentonite is laid on

terials may result in exposure in the event of a disaster.

3. Effects of Typhoons and Heavy Rains (Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant and Wide-area Environment)
Typhoon Hagibis and the heavy rains that followed caused

In the meantime, typhoons also affected the inside of themany riverbanks to overflow, wreaking serious damage

Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, which is facing arienced extensive radioactive contamination, cesium wasthat contaminated water from the reactor buildings may

in various areas in Japan. In Fukushima, which had expe-

desperate struggle with decommissioning. It is possible

have flowed directly to the sea because of the heavy rains.

released from forests that had not been decontaminat-

Moreover, the incursion of groundwater into the reactor

ed, causing contamination to spread again. According tobuildings increased significantly in October, peaking twice.

news reports , cesium with a radioactive level of 3,000 to2

According to TEPCO, the amount of contaminated water

5,000 Bq/kg was detected in sediment that flowed down

generated (inflow into the reactor) was controlled below

to the road from the mountains in Odaka Ward in Mina-

440 m3/day.3 This suggests that part of the frozen soil wall

misoma City, and readings of 11,000 Bq/kg were detectedin the soil sampled immediately after the typhoon in the

may have collapsed from the heavy rains.

same area. Since decontamination work had only been
carried out in areas 20 meters from the road, researchers

observed that the highly contaminated soil flowed out
from areas further back and the decontaminated area had

2: Tokyo Shimbun, 18 November 2019 issue.

become re-contaminated. This is simply one example, but

3: TEPCO. “Regarding Contaminated Water Generated (Amount Flowing into the Building) During the 2019 Heavy Rains.” 19 December 2019. http://www.tepco.co.jp/decom-

it is likely that similar phenomena are happening in otherlocations as well.

mission/information/committee/roadmap_prog ress/pdf/2019/d191219_06-j.pdf

15

4. How Can We Confront the Challenges Involved with Decommissioning the Fukushima Daiichi
Nuclear Power Plant?
Decommissioning work at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear

The same applies to the treatment and disposal of radio-made to the current unsubstantial roadmap so that it isof radioactive waste nationwide runs counter to the idea

Power Plant is unchartered territory. Revisions must be

active waste outside the storage facility. The deployment

safer and more reliable. The Roadmap should be suchof minimising environmental impacts and should bethat it minimises the exposure of TEPCO employees andavoided. Although there is tacit agreement that contam-

subcontractors, while also simultaneously limiting envi-

inated soil will be shipped outside the prefecture, this ishardly feasible. It is necessary to arrive at a social consen-ronmental impacts, discontinuing the practice of dumping
contaminated water into the ocean, and shifting the mile-sus after deliberations on what measures can be taken toconvince more people, including those in Fukushima, tostones to storage and solidification.

minimise impacts on the environment, leaving no debts
for the next generation to pay.

Section 2. The Aftermath for the People of Fukushima
1. Thyroid Cancer: “Several Tens of Times More Prevalent”
Children in Fukushima Prefecture who were 18 or below

but details are not known. In any case, it is difficult to gain

thyroid cancer. There were 237 children diagnosed with

the number announced by the Prefectural Oversight Com-at the time of the accident have been tested regularly fora clear picture of the actual number; however, based on

malignant or suspected cases of thyroid cancer, of whichmittee for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, it

186 were confirmed to have cancer after surgery (See Ta-

may be possible that a considerable number of patients

have fallen through the cracks. In addition, although theble 4-2-1; based on materials released by the Prefectural

surgical findings of patients have only been revealed inOversight Committee for the Fukushima Health Manage-

piecemeal fashion, a number of patients present withment Survey up to 13 February 2020). In addition to this,lymph node metastasis and thyroid extracapsular inva-

at least 11 children with thyroid cancer are known to beundergoing surgery and treatment at Fukushima Medicalsion, with some patients also showing distant metastasis.

University.

On 8 July 2019, a summary by an expert panel on evaluat-

Patients who were not diagnosed with “cancer or sus-

ing thyroid examinations (Chair: Dr. Gen Suzuki) reported
that “no correlation with exposure had been observed”.

pected cancer” at the secondary screening but were diagnosed with thyroid cancer in subsequent follow-up exam-

The summary also indicated that the incidence of thyroid

the prefecture’s health management survey.

of thyroid cancer ascertained from regional cancer regis-

cancer was several tens of times higher than the morbidity

inations have not been included in the overall number intries.

In addition, as of December 2018, it has been announced
that 257 patients, those who have been found to have

The second round of prefecture-wide screening foundprogrammes and receive some form of medical treatment,

highest incidence rate of thyroid cancer, followed bythyroid nodules (nodular lesions), are eligible for support

that the 13 municipalities in evacuation areas had the16Nakadori, Hamadori, and then Aizu region. The highest

Some experts cite “over-diagnosis” as the reason why somunicipalities, followed by Nakadori, Hamadori, and thenMedical University keeps following up patients with mi-doses of residential exposure were also in those same 13

many thyroid cancer cases have been found. Fukushima

Aizu. Yet, the panel concluded that there was no correla-crocarcinoma. In performing surgical procedures, Profes-

sor Shinichi Suzuki from Fukushima Medical University

tion with radiation exposure.

said that, in the 180 cases of thyroid cancer he has seen,
72% have presented with lymph node metastasis. In 47%

Initially, the prevalence of thyroid cancer had been at-of his observed cases had extrathyroidal extension (i.e.

tributed to screening effects. However, this does not ex-

extension of the thyroid tumour and invasion into sur-plain why as many as 71 people had or were suspected ofhaving thyroid cancer in the second round of testing two

rounding structures), and all such cases require surgery.

years later.

According to Professor Suzuki, the cancer recurred in 6%
of cases, requiring that surgery be performed again.

Table 4-2-1: Number of People with Thyroid Cancer (in Fukushima Prefecture, those who were 18 or younger at the time of the accident)

Number of People with Thyroid Cancer(in Fukushima Prefecture, those who were 18 or younger at the time of the accident)
Number of target andexaminees

Diagnosed andsuspected cases ofthyroid cancer (A)Confirmed bysurgery (B)Male : Femalein (A) (Note 1)

Percentage of respondents to thesurvey in (A) with an external
exposure of 1 mSv or greater (Note 2)

1st round ofscreening(2011-2013)

Target: 367,649
Actual Examinees: 300,473
Ratio: 81.7 %

116

101

1 : 2.029 %(19 out of 65 people)

2nd round(2014-2015)

Target: 381,256
Actual Examinees: 270,516
Ratio: 71.0 %71

52

1 : 1.258 %(21 out of 36 people)

3rd round(2016-2017)

Target: 336,669
Actual Examinees: 217,904
Ratio: 64.7 %30

24

1 : 1.536 %(4 out of 11 people)

4th round(2018-present)

Target: 294,183
Actual Examinees: 136,942
Ratio: 46.5 %168

1 : 1.0

82 %(9 out of 11 people)

Medical checkup
when turning
25 years old

Target: 44,542
Actual Examinees: 4,277
Ratio: 0.6 %41

1 : 1.0

-

237

186

Total

(Source) Created by the author based on reports by Fukushima Prefecture up to 13 February 2020
(Note 1) Ratio of males to females with juvenile thyroid cancer at Noguchi Thyroid Clinic and Hospital Foundation, Kuma Hospital, and Ito Hospital: 1:7.8(Note 2) Percentage of the targets with an exposure of 1 mSv or greater in the overall basic survey: 37.8% (n=465,999)

17

2. Hidden Initial Exposure
As mentioned above, one reason cited for why it is dif-know the reason. The original purpose of the screeningthat the thyroid exposure test was not offered at the very

nal exposure, take required medical measures and keep

ficult to verify radiation exposure and health damage is

was twofold: (1) to protect residents (quickly detect interrecords to be used for compensation or medical treat-

beginning of the nuclear accident. According to Fukushi-

ment later) and (2) to prevent the spread of radioactive

ma Prefecture’s emergency medical manual at the time,

substances. However, after the Fukushima nuclear acci-

when body surface contamination was measured to be
13,000 cpm or higher during screenings (tests performed

dent, the sole focus shifted to (2), leaving (1) to be all butat the time of an evacuation on evacuees), they would

ignored.

undergo decontamination procedures (removal of radio-

active substances on the surface of the body by cleaning

Today, local governments located within a 30-km radi-

iodine, which would then be documented. However, in theevacuation plans in the event of a nuclear power plant

us from a nuclear power plant are required to formulate

and wiping), have their thyroids measured and take stableconfusion during the evacuation at that time of the acci-

accident, based on the Nuclear Emergency Preparedness

and Response Guidelines established by the Nuclear Reg-dent, the baseline for undergoing decontamination after

screening was raised to 100,000 cpm, and there were no

ulation Authority. The current guidelines raised screening

criteria from 13,000 cpm to 40,000 cpm. Moreover, themeasurements and few records kept on thyroid exposure.

Fukushima Prefecture has admitted that this was contrary

procedure is to first measure the radioactivity of the ve-to the prefecture’s emergency medical manual on radia-

hicle, and if measurements for that vehicle exceed 40,000
cpm, then the radioactivity of a representative of thetion exposure.

group in the vehicle is measured. If measurements forthe representative are over 40,000 cpm, the radioactivity

On 15 March 2011, Ms. K, who evacuated from Tsushimaof all passengers is measured. Simple decontaminationin Namie Town, was screened at the Koriyama Sogo Gym-

measures are taken if these measurements exceed 40,000

nasium during the evacuation. At that time, the needle ofcpm, but measures have not considered internal exposure,the measuring device was off the scale, and generated asuch as re-examination after decontamination, thyroid

reading of over 100,000 cpm; however, the inspectors did

measurements, and nasal smears. There are also no rules

not take her name and no record was created.

or regulations on recording cases. The original purposeof “understanding the internal exposure of residents” has

When questioned about why measurements for thyroid

been completely lost.

exposure were not taken, the national government has

only stated that there are no records, and that it does not18

3. Current Status of Fukushima’s Policy on Returning Home
Since 2014, evacuation orders have continued to be lift-

In March 2017, the national government and Fukushimaorders have been lifted, the occupancy rate has remained

uees from areas outside those under evacuation orders.

ed in areas. However, even in locations where evacuation

Prefecture discontinued the provision of housing for evacEighty percent of people have chosen to continue to evac-at only a small proportion of the population, and many of
those who have returned to these areas are elderly .

uate and some have fallen on hard times. In March 2019,

Mr. I, who has returned to Tomioka Town, says that theand evacuees were no longer permitted to reside in hous-

4rent support for low-income earners was discontinued,“surrounding houses are being demolished one by one

ing for national civil servants. Those residents who do not

and disappearing, like teeth being pulled.” He asks, “Is thismove out are being charged twice the normal rent. As ofwhat reconstruction is supposed to look like?”

December 2019, 546 households or 24% have no housing
prospects from April.

The requirements for lifting evacuation orders are as follows: (1) radiation levels are certainly less than 20 mSv

Governments that have promoted nuclear energy poli-and (3) there has been a sufficient level of consultations

institutions, and implementation systems to provide relief

per year, (2) infrastructure for daily life has been restored,cies are responsible for establishing fundamental laws,

between the prefectural and municipal governments andfor evacuees. However, even though evacuees are facing

residents. However, criterion 1 has been strongly criticised

extremely difficult conditions, the Japanese government’s

because radiation levels far exceed public exposure limits

policies are not based on the actual situation and theand the values in radiation-controlled areas in the first

voices of those affected are not being reflected.

place, and consultations with residents are far from adequate, resulting in unilateral decisions made to lift evacuation orders in some areas.

Currently, the towns of Futaba and Okuma, as well assome parts of the towns of Namie and Tomioka remain asdifficult-to-return zones. However, in line with the reopening of the entire JR Joban Line, evacuation orders in someareas, such as around JR Ono Station in Okuma Town,
were lifted on 5 March 2020.

4: Mainichi Japan. ”49% of Fukushima nuke disaster evacuees returning home to live are elderly: survey.” 9 September 2019.
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20170909/p2a/00m/0na/004000c

19

Green Alliance Japan Members Involved in Authoring Green Watch 2020
Citizens’ Nuclear Information Center
Website: http://cnic.jp/english/

Email: cnic@nifty.com

Activity Description: Positioned independently from the government or industry, the Citizens’ Nuclear Information Center(CNIC) works towards building a society that is not dependent on nuclear power. CNIC collects documents and other materials on a broad range of issues related to nuclear energy, especially the dangers and risks, as well as conducting inves-tigative research, and providing the resulting data and insights for use in movements working on nuclear phase-out. CNIC
also proactively disseminates comments on policy, and collaborates with groups within and outside of Japan to conduct
research and organise international conferences.

Eco Future Fund (EFF)

Website: http://www.eco-future.net/

Email: eff_info@eco-future.net

Activity Description: The Eco Future Fund (EFF)’s mission is to “create a sustainable society through conserving and protecting rich forests and surrounding ecosystems.” To realise this mission, EFF’s activities involve collaboration with busi-

nesses, government agencies, and citizens using three approaches. Firstly, EFF takes a direct approach to forestry andecosystems through conservation activities for Japanese and international forests (tree planting and thinning, promotionof agroforestry, etc.). Secondly, taking a lifestyles-based approach, the organisation also promotes and suggests paper

products that use bagasse (squeezed sugarcane residue). Lastly, EFF, through supporting environmental NPOs, supports
the implementation of environmental subsidies and grants.

FoE Japan

Website: https://www.foejapan.org/en/

Email: info@foejapan.org

Activity Description: FoE is an international environmental NGO focusing on environmental issues at the planetary scale.
Pulling from the support of two million members across 75 countries, FoE Japan began its work in 1980. The organisation

engages in a wide range of advocacy work in such fields as energy (energy transition and anti-nuclear movements), climatechange and deforestation, and environmental and human rights issues arising from large-scale development. Working towards the creation of a peaceful, sustainable society, FoE Japan envisions a world where all life is respected, where humans
and all other organisms can live in harmony.

Global Environmental Forum (GEF)
Website: https://www.gef.or.jp/en/

Email: contact@gef.or.jp

Activity Description: GEF works on disseminating information and raising awareness about global environmental issues
such as climate change, primarily through commissioned work from the Japanese Ministry of the Environment and the Na-tional Institute for Environmental Studies. GEF’s own initiatives include issuing its magazine, launching campaigns to stop
illegal logging, serving as the secretariat for the Reuse Food Containers Network, and serving as the secretariat for the

MATAGI Project (a project that promotes the use of leather from wildlife). The organisation is also working towards liaising
between NGOs/NPOs for the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.

20

Japan Association of Environment and Society for the 21st Century (JAES21)
Website: http://www.kanbun.org/katudo_n/about_us.html

Email: info@kanbun.org

Activity Description: Acknowledging that ‘environmental problems are civilisation’s problems”, JAES21 was established in

1993. Through the mobilization of citizens’ power, JAES21 seeks to build a sustainable civilisation where the environment,
economy, human lives, and society are well-balanced, ensuring the health and wealth of the next generation. With thismission in mind, JAES21 is exploring the vision of a new civilisation, and working toward the transformation of lifestyles,
values, and social systems to realise the new civilization. The organisation engages in a wide range of activities, including:i) studies to develop a roadmap toward an environment-oriented society, identify a pathway toward a green economy, orinvestigate ways to utilise old Japanese wisdoms to build a sustainable society, ii) policy recommendations to advocate forthe need to include an environmental clause in the Japanese Constitution or to enact legislation for environmental education, and iii) policy-making support for local communities.

Japan Endocrine-Disruptor Preventive Action (JEPA)
Website: http://kokumin-kaigi.org/?page_id=168

Email: kokumin-kaigi@syd.odn.ne.jp

Activity Description: Environmental pollution by hazardous chemicals such as dioxins and other endocrine disruptors hasdire implications not only for humankind, but also for all living creatures on the planet. In addition to providing citizens
with information related to chemical substances, JEPA communicates its stance on policies regarding chemical substances to the national government, local governments, and businesses. JEPA also creates pamphlets and reading materials to

educate the public about various chemical substances and their adverse effects, while holding both domestic and inter-national symposia. Since 2009, the organisation has also worked to tackle the problem of neonicotinoid pesticide use inagriculture. Other initiatives include providing information about the dangers of household chemicals. Ultimately, working
to meet the WSSD 2020 Chemical Management target, JEPA engages in various activities to protect future generations
through hazardous chemical reduction.

Kiko Network

Website: https://www.kikonet.org/?cat=54

Email: kyoto@kikonet.org

Activity Description: Kiko Network is an NGO/NPO that proposes, comments, and acts on behalf of civil society to stop
global warming. Rather than solely focusing on changing the behaviour of each individual, the organisation strives to makeall aspects of society (industry and economy, energy, lifestyle, localities, etc.) more sustainable. Incorporating research on

global warming mitigation, policy commentary, and information dissemination, Kiko Network creates campaigns, strengthens networks, creates local global warming mitigation models, and engages in human resources development and edu-

cation. Envisioning a world where all can lead secure lives in a low-carbon and sustainable future, the organisation works
to transform our current society and economy toward greater fairness, peace, and prosperity. Furthermore, as a national
network of civil society and environmental NGO/NPOs in the global warming mitigation space, Kiko Network also engages
and cooperates with a wide range of organisations and sectors.

Institute for Sustainable Energy Policies (ISEP)
Website: https://www.isep.or.jp/en/

Email: https://isep.or.jp/en/about/contact

Activity Description: Working toward society powered by renewable energy, ISEP produces energy policy research andcommentary, as well as the development of renewable energy. This includes commentary and activities regarding strate-

gies for transformative energy policy as well as specific energy plans. ISEP’s four areas of utmost importance are Energy
Policy, Energy Business, Financing, and Community. Furthermore, the organisation capitalises on its networks with affili-

ated groups in and outside of Japan to share information and knowledge. ISEP also uses its connections with prominentinternational renewable energy-related groups to engage in international conferences and research activities.

commentary, as well as the development of renewable energy. This includes commentary and activities regarding strate-

gies for transformative energy policy as well as specific energy plans. ISEP’s four areas of utmost importance are Energy
Policy, Energy Business, Financing, and Community. Furthermore, the organisation capitalises on its networks with affili-

ated groups in and outside of Japan to share information and knowledge. ISEP also uses its connections with prominentinternational renewable energy-related groups to engage in international conferences and research activities.
21Section Authors
Preface: Understand it as Our Own Problem and Act for Change!
Konoe Fujimura (JAES21)
From “Climate Change” to “Climate Crisis”
Takako Momoi (Kiko Network)
Realising a Sustainable Society Based on 100% Renewable Energy
Hironao Matsubara (Institute for Sustainable Energy Policies; ISEP)
Special thanks: Sayoko Iinuma (GEF)

Crisis in the Forests and for Biodiversity
Aya Uraguchi (Conservation International Japan)

Special thanks: Shigenori Furuse (EFF), Yasuo Takahashi and Koji Miwa (IGES), Konoe Fujimura

Chemical Substances
Yuko Nakashita (JEPA)Special thanks: Takenori Ueda (JEPA)The Ongoing Disaster in Fukushima
Hideyuki Ban (Citizens’ Nuclear Information Center)
Special thanks: Kanna Mitsuta (FoE Japan)

Green Alliance Japan would like to thank the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES)
for their support in the creation of the abridged English version of Green Watch 2020.

22