Described in this article on WorldChanging, the capital of Japan has embarked on a huge effort to drastically reduce its carbon emissions. Its 10 year Plan aims to reduce CO2 by 25 percent from year 2000 levels by 2020. Perhaps the most ambitious commitment mentioned in the article is to “change the structure of society” if that’s seen to be a necessity. Representatives of all stakeholders will be involved in making that decision.
We have to be willing to admit that whatever structure of society we currently hold dear is, in many ways, a historical accident rather than something planned and drawn up by our forebears. Here in America, our Constitution is subject to reinterpretation as the times, conditions and technologies change. Certainly, if the climate is changing or if the threats of climate change impact are serious enough, we must be willing to change in advance – while we have the luxury of being able to plan those changes.
The city of Tokyo has put the full weight of its buying power behind renewable energy purchases and has recruited many of its largest businesses to cooperate in the project. Appropriate building design and tax incentives are integral elements, as are plans for carbon trading, in spite of resistance from many large businesses.
Governor Shintaro Ishihara has made it known that any government official who feels they cannont achieve their parts of reaching the city’s goals should resign their positions. He’s not fooling around; he wants to motivate all of his forces to realize these crucial emissions reduction goals. Plainly speaking, this is the stance that all political leaders around the world should be taking.
