of home electrical appliances in the last few years. Japan’s technology realizing both fuel efficiency and acceleration performance as represented by hybrid vehicles is highly regarded in the world. The use of vehicles equipped with such environment-friendly technology is spreading.

According to a FY2004 estimate by the Ministry of the Environment, consumer behavior guided by consideration for environmental conservation is expected to induce greater demands and markets for environmentally conscious products and business operations (environment-induced business). Their size is predicted to grow to approximately 103 trillion yen by 2025, employing approximately 2.22 million persons. As these markets expand with the support of consumers, companies will be attracted to make greater investment in environment-related businesses, further developing the businesses and thus contributing to the conservation of the environment.

Estimates of the Current and Future Market Sizes and Employment Potential of Environment-induced Businesses

Market size (trillion yen)	Workforce (10,000 persons)
Year	2000	2025	2000	2025
Environment-induced businesses	41	103	106	222

Source: Ministry of the Environment

Ratio of Low-emission Vehicles in the Total Domestic Shipment of Four-wheeled Vehicles

Note: Total of electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, natural gas vehicles, methanol vehicles, and certified fuel-efficient and low-emission vehicles.

Source: Compiled by the Ministry of the Environment based on the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc., Monthly Automobile Statistics, Shipment Volume of Low-emission Vehicles and Others

## Section 5 Initiatives by Citizens' Groups

Today, throughout the country, citizens are getting together for various activities related to environmental conservation. The role played by such gatherings, or citizens' groups, is becoming increasingly greater.

According to Environmental NGOs Compendium (2004) published by the Environmental Restoration and Conservation Agency of Japan (ERCA), an independent administrative institution, environmental NGOs are most active in the field of “environmental education” (45.7%), followed by “nature protection” (44.7%), “community planning” (28.9%), and “water and soil conservation” (26.0%).

Citizens’ groups involved in environmental education and learning cover a wide range of activities, including development of teaching materials, dispatch of lecturers, and implementation and coordination of programs. Such activities and programs are developed and offered to suit different targets, such as citizens, schools, children, and businesses.

Among citizens’ groups undertaking environmental conservation activities, some take advantage of their expertise to

Activities of Environmental NGOs

Source: Compiled by the Ministry of the Environment based on the Environmental Restoration and Conservation Agency, Environmental NGOs Compendium 2004.

make various proposals and recommendations. For example, Kiko Network (NPO), whose main objective is to promote climate change prevention, has been making policy recommendations, participating in international negotiations and lobbying, and disseminating information. As policy recommendations, it has proposed effective domestic policies and concrete methods to the government for achieving the 6% reduction commitment of the Kyoto Protocol. Kiko Network also carries out studies and develops proposals aimed at the early introduction of a carbon tax.