The Japanese Approach to Climate Change
On the surface, Japan fails miserably on just about every measure when it comes to tackling climate change - rejecting a global 2 degree Celsius maximum warming target, and relying on voluntary industrial emissions targets which have so far seen Japan fall short of its Kyoto obligations.
Even so, Japan’s Prime Minister is keen to see the country taking a leading role in the climate challenges ahead.
Like the Japanese approach to many things, their approach to climate change has been thoughtfully considered, is pragmatic and is likely to be superbly executed. As might be expected, they begin with the science;
“The Europeans say two degrees and this has become a political issue rather than a scientific discussion, and we find that rather unfortunate. The real issue is how would we be able, as the world, to cut emissions in a way that would allow us to achieve whatever target we agree on” announced Koji Tsuruoka, Director General for Global Issues at Japan’s Foreign Ministry last week.
Separation of science from politics is something that we at TalkClimateChange have often argued for, as the real issues become lost in a haze of irrelevant debate and political point-scoring.
Taking a pragmatic approach to the political nightmare of obtaining agreement from dozens of nations, all with very different agendas, Tsuruoka added “The Japanese position is very principled but not dogmatic … We believe climate change is an evolving issue, so if you position yourself in one position and are inflexible, you may not allow the circle to widen and include everyone.”
Tsuruoka claims that Japan was criticised during recent climate negotiations in Bali only because it focused more on the negotiations than on briefing the media. Japan hopes that it’s open ended approach to solutions will help it to build global consensus and agreement on tangible climate goals and actions.
In comparison to much of the rhetoric we have heard recently from self proclaimed European leaders on climate change, we find Japan’s approach refreshingly sensible. Importantly, it is likely to deliver actual results, rather than more hot air.
They’re just mumbling to avoid action. It’s an old diplomatic and political trick, spin out the negotiations for ages to avoid having to actually do anything.
What you do is rather than making a proposal and laying it out for all the delegates, is you go and ask each and every delegate what they want. Then rather than starting from a position and adjusting it to fit everyone’s wishes, you can just take the 100 different ideas and argue over the details of each and every one.
Anyone who’s ever been in a meeting at work or a sports club committee or anything like that will be familiar with the tactic. Consult everyone so you can do nothing.