Silviase/jgov_v1.4_full_ann huggingface dataset:
In Japan, the average temperature has risen by approximately $ 1^{\circ} $ C during the 20 $ ^{th} $ Century. Climate change will have significant impacts on ecosystems, agriculture, social infrastructure, and human health, possibly leading to drastic lifestyle changes.

To address this problem, the $ 3^{rd} $ Conference of the Parties (COP3) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (held in Kyoto in 1997) adopted the Kyoto Protocol, which sets out the legally binding numerical targets for reduction of greenhouse gases emissions in developed nations. The Kyoto Protocol became effective in February 2005.

In addition, at the 11 $ ^{th} $ Conference of the Parties (COP11) to the UN FCCC, and the 1 $ ^{st} $ Conference of Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (COP/MOP1) that were held in Montreal in November-December 2005, state parties began discussing possible international policy actions after 2013, which is immediately after the end of the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol.

## Chronological Change in Japan's Annual Average Surface Temperature Anomalies (1898-2005)

Note: Bar chart data represent the temperature for each year. A red line shows the 5-year moving average for each year. A green line represents a long-term trend. Source: Japan Meteorological Agency

Japan produces approximately 5% of the total world $ CO_{2} $ emissions, which is the 4th largest in the world after the U.S.A. (about 23%), China (about 16%) and Russia (about 6%). Developed nations produce larger $ CO_{2} $ emissions per capita than developing nations.

CO₂ Emissions and Per Capita CO₂ Emissions by Nation

Source: Compiled by the Ministry of the Environment based on the Institute of Energy Economics, Japan, Handbook of Energy & Economic Statistics in Japan 2006.

Japan emitted 1,355 million tonnes* of greenhouse gases (hereinafter, figures marked with * represent data for $ CO_{2} $ equivalents) in FY2004, which was 8.0% higher than the total emissions of the base year (1,255 million tonnes*) as stipulated in the Kyoto Protocol. Japan’s greenhouse gas emissions were 0.2% lower than the preceding year. Compared to the base year level (1990 in principle), a breakdown by sectors shows that the emissions of greenhouse gases for the industrial sector had decreased by 3.4%, while that of the transport sector had increased by 20.3%, the commercial and other sectors had increased by 37.9%, and the residential sector had increased by 31.5%.
Note: The data shown in this chart differ from those published last year because the government is reviewing the calculation method for greenhouse gas emissions. Source: Ministry of the Environment

For this reason, the government approved the “Kyoto Protocol Target Achievement Plan” at a cabinet meeting in April 2005 in order to proceed with various policy actions, such as introducing low-emission vehicles, energy-saving equipment, and solar power generation systems. Because carbon dioxide arises from every aspect of human activities, achievement of a 6% reduction commitment, in accordance with the Kyoto Protocol, will require a collective effort by all levels of society from the national and local governments, to business owners, and each individual citizen to implement energy-saving measures.

## (2) Depletion of the Ozone Layer

CFCs and some other substances are found to have been depleting the ozone layer. There is concern that depletion of ozone layer may increase the amount of harmful ultraviolet radiation reaching the earth, leading to increased damage to human health such as skin cancer and cataracts, as well as hindered growth of plants and plankton.

The ozone layer has been depleted, in particular in the 1980s, over the whole globe, except for the tropical areas. The total ozone over Japan also decreased, especially in the 1980s, but it has remained constant or slightly increased since the 1990s.

As of 2005, the ozone hole over the Antarctica had an average size of the previous 10 years.

Changes in the Annual Average of Total Ozone over Japan

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency, Report of Ozone Layer Observation in 2005

Changes in the Size of Ozone Hole over Antarctica
In Japan, in order to prevent further depletion of the ozone layer, the production of ozone-depleting substances is regulated pursuant to the Ozone Layer Protection Law. In addition, the recovery and destruction of fluorocarbons at the disposal stage of products are mandated by the Home Appliance Recycling Law, the Fluorocarbons Recovery and Destruction Law, and the End-of-Life Vehicle Recycling Law.

### 2. Conservation of the Atmospheric Environment

## (1) Acid Deposition and Dust and Sandstroms (DSS)

Acid deposition can produce a range of effects on the environment and living creatures such as trees or fish by increasing acidity in soil, lake water, etc. Buildings, artificial constructions, and cultural assets can be affected by acid deposition. In the U.S. and Europe, acidification of lakes/reservoirs and the decline of forests caused by acid deposition have been reported.

Japan has also had almost the same level of acid deposition as the Western nations that have suffered some damage. However, it is still unclear how acid deposition will impact on ecosystems in Japan. As it will take longer for the effects of acid deposition to become apparent, negative impacts will only surface in the future if Japan’s acid deposition remains at the current level.

The Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia (EANET) became fully operational in FY2001. It is aiming to identify the state of acid deposition and its impacts on East Asia and to establish the framework for a regional cooperative approach to acid deposition problems.

Levels of pH in Precipitation
Source: Compiled from the Ministry of the Environment, FY 2004 Report on the State of Air Pollution

## (4) Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM)

Suspended particulate matter (SPM), which floats in the air and has a diameter of $ 10 \mu m $ or less, is classified into primary particles and secondary particles. Primary particles include soot and dust from factories, diesel exhaust particles (DEP) generated from diesel vehicles, and soil particles dispersed in the air. Secondary particles are formed in the atmosphere from gaseous substances such as nitrogen oxides (NOx). Because SPM is of a minute size, it stays in the air for a long time. An accumulation of SPM in high concentrations in the lungs or the trachea can have damaging effects on the respiratory system.

The SPM-related EQS achievement rate improved in FY 2004 compared to the previous year.

In addition, experts are carrying out research on fine particulate matter with a diameter of $ 2.5 \mu m $ or less and diesel exhaust particles because analysts recently pointed out that these substances can have an adverse effect on human health.

Changes in Achievement of SPM-related EQS (FY 2000-2004)

Source: Compiled from the Ministry of the Environment, FY 2004 Report on the State of Air Pollution

## (5) Hazardous Air Pollutants

Various chemical substances, though low in concentration, have been detected in the atmosphere, raising concerns about the health effects of long-term exposure to these hazardous substances. In terms of the four substances that have EQSs in place, benzene's observed value improved in FY 2004, with 5.5% of monitoring stations recording data exceeding the EQS. As for the other three substances, all monitoring stations recorded data better than the applicable EQSs.

In an attempt to reduce hazardous air pollutants, the government set up maximum permissible levels for benzene and other
designated substances in accordance with the Air Pollution Control Law, intending to control emissions of these substances. The government also encourages the private sector to take voluntary actions to curb emissions. Due to voluntary management plans at the industry association level, as well as various projects in accordance with regional voluntary management plans on benzene, total emissions of hazardous air pollutants have been significantly reduced from FY2001 to FY2003.

## (6) Noise, Vibration, and Offensive Odors

The number of complaints about noise has been gradually increasing over several years to 16,215 in FY2004. Complaints about offensive odors had been increasing for the service and other sectors for a couple of years. There were only 19,657 complaints about offensive odors in FY2004, a decrease for the first time in five years.

Out of the 2,663 thousand noise observation points (households) in residential areas nationwide, 496 thousand households (19%) exceeded the EQS either at day or night in FY2004. Out of the 1,109 thousand observation points (households) facing a main road, 325 thousand households (29%) exceeded the EQS either at day or night. With regard to aircraft noise, 73% of the observation points were within the EQS's satisfactory level in FY 2003.

Attainment of the EQS for Transportation Noise

EQS for Aircraft Noise (FY2003)

Note: The figures in parenthesis represent the number of monitoring points.

Source: Ministry of the Environment

## (7) Heat Island Phenomenon

“The heat island phenomenon” means that urban areas have a higher temperature than surrounding suburban areas. This phenomenon results in an increase in the number of sultry nights in the summer. As waste heat from air conditioners also raises the Distribution of High Temperature Areas in the Tokyo Region (1981 and 1999)

Distribution of High Temperature Areas in the Tokyo Region in 1981

Distribution of High Temperature Areas in the Tokyo Region in 1999

Source: Ministry of the Environment, Report on the Heat Island Phenomenon-Analysis of the Current State and Countermeasures
temperature, even more energy is required for air conditioning, which leads to a vicious cycle.

In line with the “Outline of the Policy Framework to Reduce Urban Heat Island Effects”, the government is now taking policy action to reduce heat islands consisting of four major pillars: reducing anthropogenic exhaust heat, improving urban land surface cover, improving urban structure, and improving lifestyles.

## (8) Countermeasures against Asbestos

Asbestos was used in many products because of its heat resistance. However, as asbestos is carcinogenic and has other negative effects on human health, manufacture or use of asbestos is prohibited in Japan in principle. The Air Pollution Control Law imposes emission controls and some other restrictions on plants that manufacture asbestos. In the past, the regulatory authority put work standards in place for demolition work on buildings of a certain size made fire-resistant with spray-type asbestos. However, in order to effectively prevent asbestos from being spread in the atmospheric environment, the government amended the enforcement ordinance and enforcement regulations of the Air Pollution Control Law in December 2005. This amendment has expanded the scope of the restricted building materials, and also abolished the size limitations on buildings. In February 2006, lawmakers amended the Air Pollution Control Law, intending to place restrictions on demolition works not only for buildings but also for facilities in general.

### 3. Conservation of the Water, Soil, and Ground Environments

## (1) Water Environment

According to the Results of FY 2004 Measurement of Water Quality in Public Waters, the achievement level of the EQS for the protection of human health from substances, such as cadmium, was 99.3%. Standards set for protecting the living environment were achieved at slightly lower rates. The BOD (or COD) level is an EQS for the conservation of the living environment and is a typical water-quality indicator for organic contamination. Its EQS achievement level remained at 85.2%. By water area, the achievement levels were 89.8% for rivers, 50.9% for lakes and reservoirs, and 75.5% for sea areas. In particular, achievement rates for enclosed water areas, such as lakes, reservoirs, inner bays, and inland seas were still low. In terms of COD, the achievement rates were 63.2% for Tokyo Bay, 50.0% for Ise Bay, and 67.3% for the Seto Inland Sea.

Trends in EQS Achievement Rate (BOD or COD)

Notes: 1. BOD used for rivers, while COD used for lakes/reservoirs, and sea/coastal areas.

2. Achievement rate (\%) = (no. of water areas achieving EQS/no. of designated water areas) × 100

Source: Ministry of the Environment, Results of FY 2004 Measurement of Water Quality in Public Waters

Trends in EQS Achievement Rate (COD) in Three Coastal Regions

Note: Ise Bay includes Mikawa Bay, and Seto Inland Sea includes Osaka Bay
Percentage of Observation Points Exceeding the EQS for Groundwater Contamination (Categories with a High Percentage of Contamination)

Notes: 1. The survey teams monitor different wells every year in most cases. (They do not necessarily collect data on the same wells every year.)

2. Before the EQSs for groundwater were established in 1997, assessment standards had been used to evaluate groundwater quality. (The assessment standard for arsenic was revised from “0.05 mg/L or less” to “0.01 mg/L or less” in 1993.)

3. Nitrate/nitrite nitrogen, fluorine, and boron were added to the list of EQS items in 1999.

Source: Ministry of the Environment, Results of FY 2004 Water Quality Survey of Groundwater

Consequently, lawmakers amended the Law concerning Special Measures for the Preservation of Lake Water Quality in order to launch two new schemes: The Effluent Water Control District Program, which promotes measures to reduce pollution loading from farmland or urban areas to further conserve the water quality of lakes and reservoirs; and the Lakeshore Environmental Protection District Program, which protects plants capable of improving water quality.

According to the Results of the FY 2004 Water Quality Survey of Groundwater, 7.8% of the total wells surveyed exceeded the EQS. Specifically, 5.5% of the wells did not meet the EQS for nitrate-nitrogen or nitrite-nitrogen. These wells were probably polluted by farmland fertilization, livestock excreta, or domestic wastewater. Urgent measures are needed to prevent groundwater being polluted by nitrate/nitrite nitrogen.

The “Inter-Ministry/Agency Coordination Committee for Building Sound Water Cycle” is pushing ahead with policy actions to provide a healthy water cycle by holding information/opinion exchange sessions, encouraging research activities, and serving as a coordinator of policy actions.

## (2) Marine Pollution

For conservation of the marine environment, Japan is a state party to the London Convention, which regulates ocean dumping from vessels, and to the MARPOL 73/78 Convention, which prevents marine pollution caused by ships. In response to these conventions, Japan has taken domestic measures to prevent marine pollution.

In order to assess and monitor the conditions of the marine environment, Japan conducts marine environment monitoring programs, to systematically collect comprehensive data on water quality, bottom sediments, and aquatic organisms.

In terms of marine pollution caused by oil, waste, and red tides, 360 cases were identified in 2005, a decrease of 65 cases from the 2004 level.

Changes in the Number of Marine Pollution Cases Identified

Note: “Others” include factory effluent. Source: Japan Coast Guard
## (3) Soil Contamination

Once soil is contaminated, it accumulates hazardous substances, perpetuating the state of pollution.

In order to address such soil contamination, the Ministry of the Environment is pushing ahead with appropriate countermeasures on soil contamination in accordance with the Soil Contamination Countermeasures Law, and conducted a survey, with the intention of establishing more comprehensive EQS that would regulate extensively of pollutants and exposure paths. A larger number of soil contamination cases have been identified in urban areas as a result of redevelopment projects at former factory sites. In FY2003, the regulatory authority acknowledged 349 cases that exceed the EQS for Soil Contamination or Soil Contamination Countermeasures Law.

Number of Soil Contamination Cases Identified by Fiscal Year

Source: Ministry of the Environment, Overview of the Survey Result concerning Survey and Measures and State of Responses for Soil Contamination in FY 2004

## (4) Ground Subsidence

Ground subsidence is caused by excessive pumping of groundwater, which lowers the level of the groundwater and shrinks the clay layer. As of FY 2004, 61 areas in 37 prefectures suffered ground subsidence. Restrictions on the pumping of groundwater and other measures have mitigated ground subsidence in Tokyo’s 23 wards, Osaka City, and Nagoya City, where remarkable ground subsidence had occurred in the past.

However, ground subsidence still occurred in certain areas such as the Kujukuri plain in Chiba Prefecture. Some areas that are lower than sea level due to ground subsidence may face the danger of huge damages caused by high tides or floods. For this reason, besides imposing restrictions on the pumping of groundwater, measures are being taken to deal with high tides and to build facilities to protect the coastline.

Changes in Ground Subsidence in Selected Areas

Source: Ministry of the Environment, Overview of Ground Subsidence in Japan in FY 2004

### 4. Measures and Policies related to the Material Cycle, including Waste and Recycling Measures

Since FY1989, Japan has been generating municipal solid waste at an annual volume of approximately 50 million tonnes or more. These annual volumes of municipal solid waste have remained steady over the last several years. In FY 2003, of all
Japan has also implemented the PRTR (Pollutant Release and Transfer Register) system for chemical substances possibly harmful to human health or ecosystems. Under the PRTR system, businesses identify and report to the government the amount of chemical substances that are released to the environment or transferred as waste materials. The government then aggregates the data from businesses and publishes them together with the estimation of releases that are not reported to the government (e.g. household, transport, small businesses, etc). The fourth aggregate result was published in February 2006. It is important to further promote risk communication to enable all parties, including citizens, industries, and the administrative agencies, to share accurate information on chemical substances and to improve communication with each other.

Reported Releases vs. Releases not subject to reporting (FY2004)

With regard to policy actions on poison gas bombs in Japan, the government ministries, in line with Cabinet approval on June 6, 2003 and the Cabinet decision on December 16, 2003, are working together to conduct an environment survey with the intention of preventing possible damage from former Japanese Army/Navy gas bombs. In addition, the Poison Gas Information Center, established in the Ministry of the Environment, collects relevant information on an ongoing basis and distributes such information and general guidance to citizens.

### 6. Conservation of the Natural Environment and Promoting Contact with Nature

## (1) Conservation of the Natural Environment and Promoting Contact with Nature

Pursuant to the new National Biodiversity Strategy in which all ministries work together to realize “a society in harmony with its natural environment,” the third review on its implementations was carried out in FY 2005. After being reported the results of the review, the Central Environment Council pointed out that the biodiversity crisis still remains to be resolved although policy actions on biodiversity have been moving forward. The Council also called for further policy actions: Collecting basic data on the natural environment,

## Newly Implemented Policy Actions for Addressing Biodiversity Crisis (Third review on implementation of the strategy: Approved in September 2005)

Source: Ministry of the Environment
## Threatened Wildlife of Japan (Species Listed in the Red List)

(as of August 2006)

Taxonomical group	Species assessed	Extinct	Extinct in the wild	Threatened species	Near threatened	Data deficient	Threatened local population	Total number of species listed
Critically endangered + Endangered	Vulnerable
Animals	Mammals	approx. 200	4	0	48	16	9	12	89
32	16
12	20
Birds	approx. 700	13	1	89	16	15	2	136
42	47
17	25
Reptiles	97	0	0	18	9	1	2	30
7	11
2	5
Amphibians	64	0	0	14	5	0	4	23
5	9
1	4
Brackish water and freshwater fish	approx. 300	3	0	76	12	5	12	108
58	18
29	29
Insects	approx. 30,000	2	0	139	161	88	3	393
63	76
Land/freshwater mollusks	approx. 1,000	25	0	251	206	69	5	556
86	165
Spiders/crustaceans	approx. 4,200	0	1	33	31	36	0	101
10	23
Subtotal for animals	47	2	668	456	223	40	1436
303	365
Plants	Vascular plants	approx. 7,000	20	5	1,665	145	52	0	1,887
1,044	621
564	480
Bryophytes	approx. 1,800	0	0	180	4	54	0	238
110	70
Algae	approx. 5,500	5	1	41	24	0	0	71
35	6
Lichen	approx. 1,000	3	0	45	17	17	0	82
22	23
Fungi	approx. 16,500	27	1	63	0	0	0	91
53	10
Subtotal for plants	55	7	1,994	190	123	0	2,369
1,264	730
Total	102	9	2,662	646	346	40	3,805

Notes:

1. Data on the assessed animal species (including subspecies) were derived from the Environment Agency, Checklist of Japanese Species of Wildlife 1993, 1995, and 1998.

2. Data on the vascular plants (including subspecies) were gathered by the Japanese Society for Plants Systematics.

3. Data on the species of bryophytes, algae, lichen, and fungi (including subspecies) were derived from Ministry of the Environment surveys.

4. Data on the current state of threatened species (including subspecies) were derived from Ministry of the Environment Red List.

The categories are considered as follows:

Extinct: Species that are extinct in Japan

Extinct in the wild: Species that are known only to survive in captivity or in cultivation

Critically endangered + Endangered: Species in danger of extinction

Vulnerable: Species facing increasing danger of extinction

Near threatened: Species with weak foundation for survival

Threatened local population: Population of a species that is isolated in an area and has high possibility of extinction.

Source: Ministry of the Environment
orientation sessions for presentations or sharing information about work in model districts. As well as holding “National Ecotourism Seminars” for ecotourism travel agents, the Ministry of the Environment conducted surveys in two locations to promote ecotourism in national parks.

To address the problems of hot spring business operators (e.g., how to put up a notice with data on hot springs for visitors), the government revised the enforcement regulation for the Hot Spring Law (effective on May 24, 2005). According to the amended regulation, hot spring operators are required to provide information on the hot water supply, water heating, and circulation systems (e.g., cyclical filtration equipment), as well as bathwater additives, and disinfection methods.

## (2) Conservation of Natural Environment Outside Japan

Forests in the world decreased at a rate of about 7.32 million hectares per year on average from 2000 to 2005. African, South American, and Southeast Asian from Asian region forests, where the tropical forests are located, have suffered a significant reduction in their size. This is mainly attributable to forest fires, and illegal logging as well as conversion of forest to other land uses such as agriculture. In this relation, at the 6th session of United Nations Forest Forum in February 2006, policymakers discussed how they could strengthen the international framework to solve world forest problems.

How Fast are the Forests in the World Getting Larger or Smaller? (2000-2005)

About one-quarter of all land areas in the world and 900 million people, accounting for one-sixth of the world’s population, are affected by desertification, which is defined as land degradation in arid and semi-arid areas etc. As background of this problem, there are factors such as poverty and population growth in developing nations. Therefore, international efforts are being made under the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).