Statement by Yoriko Kawaguchi
State Minister, Director-General of Environment Agency of Japan

November 21, 2000
The Hague

H.E. President Pronk,
H.E. Prime Minister Kok,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Mr. President,

More than 10 years have passed since humankind started taking action to combat climate change at the global level. Three years ago, we assembled in Kyoto and managed to conclude the international agreement with quantified targets of greenhouse gas reductions through extremely difficult negotiations. It is no exaggeration to say that we are now standing at the crossroads. Whether we can inspire the spirit into the Kyoto Protocol or not really depends upon the outcome of negotiations over the next few days.

First, I would like to point out that the group of issues concerning developing countries are one of the most important that we have to reach agreement here. Technology transfer and capacity building should be strengthened in order to assist developing countries in implementing their common but differentiated responsibilities. Adaptation measures against adverse effects of climate change and the impact of the implementation of response measures should be also addressed in an appropriate manner.

Japan recognizes those issues as extremely important. Hence we have been positively undertaking international cooperation with developing countries. This is because we believe the global tackling of climate change to be an absolute necessity from the long-term perspective.

Specifically, I would like to draw your attention to the "Kyoto Initiative," a comprehensive package to support developing countries in the field of climate change, which was announced at COP3. This Initiative includes capacity building, financial cooperation on the most concessional terms, and the transfer of Japan's technologies and know-how. We have so far provided technical training to 2,800 persons in capacity building and extended 4.8 billion US dollars financial assistance over the two years since 1998. In the meantime, we have also been promoting policy dialogue with our neighboring countries through such occasions as the Environmental Congress in Asia and the Pacific (ECO-ASIA), while constructing information networks on climate change and holding various kinds of seminars in the region.

I am pleased to state that the Government of Japan will continue to support developing countries in the field of climate change, and strengthen its assistance in adaptation measures, in particular to cope with adverse effects, on developing counties.

Mr. President,

We have to reach agreement here, in The Hague, on the rules on the Kyoto mechanisms, sinks and compliance. Japan does not subscribe to the notion that "environmental integrity" contradicts "economic efficiency." Rather, it is important to utilize cost-effective measures in the field of climate change, which requires efforts over an extended period of time. The Kyoto mechanisms must be designed from such a perspective. We should make our best efforts to mobilize the widest possible range of resources, including ODA, and ensure the benefits to be shared as widely as possible. With respect to the composition of a quantified ceiling, we have to avoid reopening the conclusion which was reached after extremely tough negotiations in Kyoto

Sinks are very important to us. Japan regards environmental integrity as a priority. It is essential not to lose incentives for appropriate sinks activities, recognizing that sinks activities contribute to greenhouse gas emissions reduction.

On compliance, Japan believes that we should develop an enforceable system which enables Parties to facilitate compliance and avoid no-compliance. The compliance argument should not delay the entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol.

Mr. President,

Japan's energy efficiency is the world highest. Nevertheless, I would like to confirm that Japan is going to take domestic actions to cover a significant portion of measures to attain the Kyoto target. In order to do so, the Climate Change Law was enacted in April 1999, which was the first of this kind in the world. In addition, the Law on Energy Saving was amended. Although greenhouse gas emission in 1998 was five percent higher than the 1990 level, it is a drop of 3.5% from 1997, which resulted in a decrease over two consecutive years since 1996.

In fact, it is estimated that greenhouse gas emissions will grow by about 20% (from the 1990 level) by 2010 under the business as usual (BaU) scenario. In other words, what Japan has committed at Kyoto is a reduction of 26% plus. Our target is very painful to achieve. However, we are determined to make every effort, recognizing that it is our responsibility to pass on to future generations a society free from global warming.

Mr. President,

Japanese people have special attachment to the Kyoto Protocol. We have to get the Protocol into force, as an important first step in our long-term endeavors to continue over tens and hundreds of years. We have to use our wisdom, constructive compromise to take political decisions in order to make COP6 a success and the Kyoto Protocol ratifiable and to realize its entry into force by 2002, the year of Rio+10.

Each country has its own political, economic, and social circumstances. Given this, what is required of all the Parties to make progress toward their common goal is the spirit of "brave compromise." It is time to take action.

Thank you for your attention.