As an industrialized nation Japan must deal with tough environmental issues. Japan is the world’s leading importer of exhaustible energy resources and the world’s fifth largest emitter of greenhouse gases. It is a signatory of the Kyoto Protocol and also the country which hosted the conference in 1997. Under the Kyoto Protocol treaty Japan is obligated to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions to a level 6% lower than its 1990 levels. In addition, Japan must take other steps to curb global climate change.
Nuclear power provides about 35% of Japan’s electricity. There are currently 63 nuclear power plants operating in Japan making it the second largest user of nuclear power in the world. All of these power plants produce waste which much be dealt with. Especially dangerous is HLW, or high-level radioactive waste. To address this issue the Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant was built in Ibaraki, Japan. There are many opponents to the opening of the plant, including Greenpeace, which feel the plant poses danger to surrounding residents. The opponents also feel Japan should be investing money in cleaner and safer renewable energy sources.
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Environmental issues have been a major concern over the last few years. More and more people are debating environmental issues, and that is mainly due to increased understanding and publicity of the problems associated with global warming. Though global warming has been an issue for some time, it is far more recognized today.
Most environmental issues can be roughly divided into three categories. First of all is global climate change. This encompasses global warming issues, and the impact that climate change has on plants, animals, land masses, weather patterns, and so on. This also includes the reasons for climate change, which can include various types of pollution, potential world overpopulation, and underlying scientific reasons for natural climate change.
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It has not probably escaped your notice that environmental issues have captured people’s interest. You can probably say that this is not surprising considering the fact that people are finally experiencing the effects of decades of environmental abuse. Mother Nature is indeed lashing back. Environmental debates are fairly common these days. Being a chef does not excuse you, however, from getting involved. You create your own ecological footprints and you are accountable for them.
Environmental issues generally fall under three categories — bizarre global climate changes, excessive use of resources, improper waste management.
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