A symposium on the activities of the industrial community toward realizing low-carbon societies was held on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 from 2:00 to 4:50 pm at the Keidanren Hall. The event was co-sponsored by Nippon Keidanren (Japan Business Federation) and the Keizai Koho Center (Japan Institute for Social and Economic Affairs). Mr. Motozo Yoshikiyo, General Manager, Technical Affairs Department, represented the Japan Chemical Industry Association as a symposium panelist.

The Chairman of the Committee on Environment and Safety of Keidanren, Mr. Masahiro Sakane (chairman of Komatsu Ltd.), began the program by reviewing the progress of Keidanren’s voluntary action plan and the basic policies of the group’s low-carbon societies action plan -- Keidanren’s activity for the post-2012 Protocol announced last December.

Ms. Kumi Fujisawa, Partner of Think Tank SophiaBank, delivered the keynote speech on the expectations for the activity of the industrial community toward realizing low-carbon societies. In addition to her comment that “it was disappointing that I could not see the position of Japan” at the COP 15, which she attended, Ms. Fujisawa summarized the issues and her expectations for the industrial community toward realizing the low-carbon societies, including (1) Global warming is a complex issue that cannot be solved by regulations alone, (2) Companies must contribute to solving the global warming issue by utilizing Japan’s strengths and the strengths of its business to become a respected global partner, (3) The government and companies must explain to the Japanese people what they are doing to manage the issue, (4) Companies must make international contributions by joining with different industries and government, and (5) Efforts must be made towards establishing a system that leads to the economic growth of Japan.

The keynote address was followed by a panel discussion on the theme of identifying future contributions of the industrial community toward low-carbon societies. Panelists included representatives of the Japan Chemical Industry Association, The Federation of Electric Power Companies of Japan, The Japan Gas Association, Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc., and The Iron and Steel Federation, as well as Keidanren. Ms. Fujisawa served as the panel’s moderator. Among topics discussed were achievements and future plans to prevent global warming (environmental voluntary action plan) within each industry. Mr. Yoshikiyo of JCIA reported on the progress of the chemical industry’s voluntary action plan, as well as its life cycle analysis (LCA), and stated, “To realize a net reduction (in greenhouse gases), it is necessary to focus on the viewpoint of LCA and, therefore, we would like to cooperate with the people.” He also addressed problems with the Cap and Trade approach to reducing greenhouse gases, saying, “We would like the government to manage the policies so that it would lead to a net reduction.”

Ms. Fujisawa concluded the panel discussion by saying, “Japanese companies have achieved their current technology strength as a result of continuous efforts over a long period of time. However, the feeling among the people is that the global warming issue must be resolved sooner rather than later, but with careful thought. Furthermore, the direction has moved toward an economic issue. Because the driving force for innovation by companies is in high demand by consumers, it is necessary for the companies and the people to join together to tackle the global warming issue. In addition, support by the government is also needed. I think it would be good if the global warming issue could provide an opportunity for companies, consumers and the government to unite in a common goal.”

A Japanese summary of this symposium will appear soon on YouTube and a complete version will be available on the Keizai Koho Center website.