<Chapter 1> Transboundary Environmental Pollution and Cooperation between Japan and China: A Historical Review

Abstract

This chapter makes a history review on disparity in concerns and cooperation for transboundary environmental pollution between China and Japan. China has placed high priority on economic growth and energy security, but the structural problems of a heavy reliance on coal, inefficient energy production and consumption, and increasing energy consumption does not allow China to take effective measures to reduce SO2 emissions, let alone transboundary acid rain and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Japan, on the other hand, used to be mainly concerned about transboundary acid rain and provided environmental assistance in support of air pollution control projects, but failed to change China’s attitude. Since the Third Conference of Parties for United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), a reduction in GHGs has been given a higher policy priority. Japan also requires emerging countries to establish some reduction targets in order that they do not offset the emission reduction activities of Annex I countries. However, rising global concerns over climate change increases expectation that the CDM can be a tool for reducing this disparity and encouraging environmental cooperation. China recognizes that the CDM can be a useful tool for attaining diplomatic and economic goals, and has modified its stance to actively utilize the CDM to maximize its benefit. Japan has become active in finding prominent Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and Joint Implementation (JI) projects as a cost-effective means to attain the GHG reduction target.