| PRINCIPAL POLICIES
OF THE TOKYO METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT |
 |
In addition to the growing impact of global warming, Tokyo Metropolis
is experiencing a rise in urban warming -- the so-called "heat
island" phenomenon -- and other signs of threats to the environment.
There is a pressing need to halt these two different "warming"
trends, which continue to accelerate in speed and intensity yearly,
and instill environmental sustainability in both cities and for the
planet as a whole. To take this important step, it will be necessary
to fundamentally revamp the social and economic patterns followed to
date and to forge a new system that effectively incorporates a wider
range of environmental considerations.
In February 2002, the TMG launched its "Put a Stop to Global
Warming" environmental strategy that urges the national government
to promote effective measures to fight global warming. It has also developed
the Global Warming Countermeasure Plan System, Building Environmental
Plan System, and other related efforts since that time. In November
of the same year, the Basic Policy for Preventing Urban and Global Warming
was drawn up, which consisted of three basic principles aimed at tackling
six new challenges. That December, the Tokyo Metropolitan Environmental
Advisory Council was consulted on specific means of converting effective
global warming countermeasures into policies, with the focus on challenges
1 through 3.
The Three Basic Principles
| 1. |
To halt the advance of the dual "warming" phenomena,
a new social system incorporating environmental considerations will
be established. |
| 2. |
The TMG will not rely on national policy measures alone, but will
also advance its own original plan, tailored to the regional characteristics
of Tokyo, to counter "warming." |
| 3. |
The promotion of warming countermeasures will serve to invigorate
the Tokyo economy. |
The Six Challenges
Challenge 1
Mandatory reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by offices and other
large-scale business sites
Challenge 2
Mandatory achievement of higher energy saving performance for newly
constructed buildings.
Challenge 3
Promotion of systems to reliably communicate energy conservation information
to consumers.
Challenge 4
Strengthening of measures to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from automobiles.
Challenge 5
Promote efforts to convert to use of reusable energy.
Challenge 6
Promotion of heat island countermeasures in tandem with community development
plans.
Future Strategy
Based on the details of the report from the Tokyo Metropolitan Environmental
Advisory Council, steps will be taken to promote an effective scheme
matched to the regional characteristics of Tokyo Metropolis. For heat
island measures, all TMG offices will join together in mounting an integrated
response based on the Heat Island Action Plan drawn up in March 2003.
Moreover, natural environment preservation, curbs on the creation and
proper disposal of waste, harmful chemical substances and other measures
will also be advanced under the Basic Environment Plan, promoting a
sustained and vigorous drive to surmount the numerous threats that currently
endanger the future of the environment in Tokyo.
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