of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are soaring, Cool Earth 50 puts forth the goal of first halving the world's carbon dioxide emissions of the current level by 2050. To this end, we need to “build a low carbon society” and “develop innovative technology”.

The 21 $ ^{st} $ Century Environment Nation Strategy approved by the Cabinet in June 2007 underscored the need to realize in an integrated manner “a low carbon society,” “a sound material-cycle society,” and “a society in harmony with nature” in order to aim at a sustainable society that can overcome global crises such as global warming.

To clarify the direction for measures “to create a low carbon society,” the Global Environment Committee of the Central Environment Council reviewed the basic concepts of a low carbon society, the specific image of such a society, and the strategies for realizing it. Since September 2007, it has held twelve meetings. The Committee issued the report “Towards the Creation of a

Figure 3-2-1 CO₂ Emissions and Absorption Results

Note: Atmospheric CO₂ concentration in 2005 was up at 379 ppm (its natural concentration is 280 ppm).

Source: Compiled by the Ministry of the Environment from the data of IPCC Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) (2007)

Low Carbon Society," which incorporated the comments of experts and discussions on the basic principles and other topics.

## 2 Basic Principles of a Low Carbon Society

In its report “Towards the Creation of a Low Carbon Society,” the Global Environment Committee of the Central Environment Council named the following three as the basic principles:

## (1) Minimize Carbon Dioxide Emissions

Putting in place a social system that gives full consideration to minimizing carbon dioxide emissions is the key. To this end, all sectors of the society, including industries, the government, and citizens, must realize the finite nature of the earth; exercise the volition to break away from a society of mass production, mass consumption, and mass disposal; promote the use of energy efficient products and low carbon energy sources when making purchase decisions; and increase the productivity of resources through the implementation of the 3Rs, and so on.

## (2) Create a Simple Lifestyle that Gives a Sense of Richness

We must renounce the uniform society championed by developed countries that seeks richness in life through mass consumption. People’s decision to renounce such society and values and to seek spiritual fulfillment will transform the social system and help create a rich, but low-in-carbon society. Manufacturers also need to carry out reforms voluntarily to meet such consumer needs. For example, businesses shall develop environmentally friendly products actively to respond to a market trend favoring products that are friendly to the environment.

## (3) Realize Harmony with Nature

It is important to establish venues and create opportunities for the public to come in contact with nature, restore the rich and diverse natural environments, such as forests and oceans; and promote the use of “nature-oriented technology,” such as the use of biomass in local communities, in order to secure carbon sinks; and adapt to global warming, which is inevitable in the future.