## (5) Observing and monitoring the ozone layer

The Japan Meteorological Agency annually publishes the outcome of observations on ozone and ultraviolet radiation. According to these studies, the global amount of ozone continues to be low from a long-term perspective. Additionally, in order to prevent adverse effects to the human body by ultraviolet radiation, information on the topic is published daily using a numerical index (UV index) for easy comprehension of the intensity of ultraviolet radiation.

## (6) Promoting routine operational observation in the Antarctic

The Geospatial Information Authority of Japan facilitates activities carried out by Antarctic research expeditions. At the same time, it makes geodetic observations, produces and updates topographical maps, and develops satellite image maps on the Antarctic region in order to contribute to international activities relating to research on global environmental changes and geodetic surveys.

The Japan Meteorological Agency continues to conduct observation of ozone, solar and infrared radiation, surface and upper-air at the Syowa Station (Antarctica). Accumulated meteorological data contribute to monitor and research the global environment, such as the changes in Antarctic ozone hole and global climate, and are utilized for the formulation of international policies.

The Japan Coast Guard is conducting topographical studies on the sea floor. The observation data is being used for compiling nautical charts and as the basis for research related to past environmental conditions such as glacial erosion and sedimentary environments. In addition, they conduct tidal observations and monitor the fluctuations in sea levels, which are closely tied to global warming.

## 2 Research and Prediction of the Global Environment

The Japan Meteorological Agency and the Meteorological Research Institute are developing prognostic models on changes in climate around Japan and the world, and actively participate in international research programs such as the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP). Earth system models that track the carbon cycle process and other changes and higher resolution regional climate models are being developed, and research for making warming predictions is being conducted. Proactive contributions were made to the release (in FY 2012) of “Global Warming Projection Vol.8” which shows the detailed warming predictions for the area around Japan based on a highly developed regional climate model, the fifth assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) (released in 2013-2014), and the plan for adapting to the impact of climate change (Cabinet decision of November 2015).

The National Institute for Land and Infrastructure Management released the results of research into climate change adaptation conducted from the standpoints of flood control, water utilization, and the environment through the Interim Report on Research into Climate Change Adaptation (2013) and other documents. These results have been incorporated into various materials, including Adapting to Climate Change in the Area of Water Disasters (August 2015), a report issued by the Social Development Council, and a plan for adapting to climate change (November 2015) as formulated by the MLIT.

## 3 Promoting Global Mapping Project and the world geodetic network

The Geospatial Information Authority of Japan is in charge of the secretariat of the Global Mapping Project (in which 183 countries and regions are participating as of January 2016), continuously leading the project which develops and releases digital geospatial information on land areas around the globe. The activities using geospatial information toward to disaster risk reduction and the effort to understand and analyze the global environment are promoted. In addition, Japan contributes to global scale observations and researches through the activities, e.g., international VLBI (Very Long Baseline Interferometry is a space geodetic technique using radio waves from quasars) and SLR (Satellite Laser Ranging is a method for measuring the range between an artificial satellite with retroreflectors and a ground station by laser pulse), tide observations, absolute gravity measurements, and participation in International GNSS Service (IGS).