(Unofficial Transcript)

Press Briefing by the Government of Japan
at the Third Session of the Conference of the Parties to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change

Mr. Koumura: For 10 days from the beginning of this month, we have been involved in discussions that resulted in the historical adoption of the Kyoto Protocol. On behalf of the Japanese government, I'd like to express our heartfelt gratitude for the tremendous efforts made by Chairman Estrada, party delegates, NGOs, and business representatives here at this conference. I'd also like to express our appreciation for the support we've had locally from the Kyoto prefectural and municipal governments.

Global warming issues are closely related to the human life and the survival of the human race. Continued efforts are thus necessary to fundamentally resolve the problems of global warming. Within the context of the protocol that was adopted today, by setting targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, I believe we have seen a historical outcome which marks the first step in our fight against global warming in the coming millennium.

In approaching the twenty-first century, I believe that we have reached a most important international commitment in Kyoto for the future of our Earth and humanity, and this is a source of great pride for us. The reduction targets that Japan will have to achieve will not be easy, since they come on top of the conservation efforts we've already made. We'd like to make a call for voluntary efforts in helping us reach our targets and for the early ratification of the protocol to make it a truly meaning agreement.

Question: Matsunaga from Yomiuri Shimbun. First of all, congratulations on your efforts. My first question is for Mr. Koumura. You mentioned that implementing the target for Japan will entail great difficulties. Since you did agree to them, though, you must have concrete ideas of how the targets are to be achieved. Can you tell us what some of those approaches may be.

My second question concerns the negotiations you held with the United States and the European Union. In your discussions, I understand that there was considerable confusion over the issue of developing countries. Can you reveal, now that we've actually reached a protocol, how you carried out your negotiations with the developing countries?

Mr. Koumura: As for how we will reach our target, the first thing we must do is to pool our forces within the government and make a call to the general public for their efforts. How we'll achieve our target is something that we'll have to begin working on from now on, and so I can't give a list of concrete measures that we'll be implementing just yet.

As for the developing countries, we've put together a package called the Kyoto Initiative that has many benefits for the developing countries. President Oki, as well as members of the Japanese delegation, have been approaching developing countries with this initiative in order to encourage their participation in the Kyoto Protocol. While the protocol may not be perfect, I believe that the enthusiastic response of the developing countries that was demonstrated here is a significant achievement.

Question:Ishii from the Asahi Shimbun. President Oki announced at one point that he would have to leave the conference and return to Tokyo. He reversed his decision, however, and is back to chair the plenary session. What factors were behind his decision to remain in Kyoto?

Mr. Koumura: Let me just say that the Diet has given its understanding on the matter, and we're happy about the outcome.

Question: Aritake from BNA. The targets for the emissions in the protocol seem to suggest a new method of calculating emission levels. According to the old formula, Japan was projected to have 10% higher GHG emissions in 2010. The new measures to calculate emission levels may change this figure. How do you account for this?

Mr. Koumura: One big change that the protocol introduces is the inclusion of all six greenhouse gases, whereas we had only been using three. We don't have precise data on the new gases as yet. So we're not changing our numbers around; we need to come up with a brand new way of accounting for the additional gases.

Mr. Okamoto: Let me add that there are two common ways of calculating levels of the CFC substitutes that were included in the protocol. The first is to measure actual emissions, and the second is to use "potential" emissions. Some countries base their calculation on the latter approach. We need to prepare a full menu of possible calculation methods. We'll also need to figure into the calculations efforts made to retrieve these gases from the atmosphere. These will be important in achieving accuracy in measurement and compliance by all countries. We're trying to collect what data we can to enable us to make these calculations.

Question: Salon Magazine. Do you have any reasons to believe that over the next 11 months the larger developing nations, especially China or India, will either join the protocol or agree to make any voluntary commitments to reduce greenhouse gases?

Mr. Koumura: The G-77 and China expressed great unity, but a significant number of these countries expressed support for Article 9. If the developed countries demonstrate their intention to fulfill their commitments, then I believe the developing countries can be encouraged to be more forthcoming with commitments.

Question: Ikeuchi from NTV. European Commissioner Bjerregaard just commented that she was happy about Japan's 6% reduction target and also praised the U.S. for their 7% commitment. This suggested to me that the EU regarded the final outcome as a "victory" for the EU. How do you feel about this?

Mr. Koumura: There are aspects of the agreement that all three parties--Japan, EU, and the U.S.--can regard as "victories" and other aspects that they feel pose a challenge. This is a common reaction, I believe, among all three parties. The protocol did not produce "winners" and "losers." Inasmuch as we were able to achieve fair, realistic, and legally binding targets, I believe we have made a major accomplishment where we're all "winners."

Question: What happened to the "umbrella" formula, and what conditions and partners will Japan be looking for? Secondly, the 6% target for Japan suggests that economic activity may be dampened to some degree, or that the target would have to be achieved even at the expense of economic growth. How do you feel about this?

Mr. Koumura: I would not dare to say that the target will have no economic repercussions, but I don't think the 6% figure would be fatal to economic growth. It's a target that can be reached in this framework.

Mr. Okamoto: Let me add that I agree fully with State Secretary Koumura. Our 6% commitment for the greenhouse gases, including three additional gases, will by no means be easy to achieve. But by taking advantage of the measures that have been included in the protocol, such as sinks, joint implementation, emissions trading, and the clean development mechanism, we should be able to attain our reduction target without sacrificing economic growth. This is a tough target, to be sure, but as Prime Minister Hashimoto has mentioned, this presents new challenges that could lead to the birth of new industries, and this would be a big plus for the economy. In this regard, I believe that economic growth and our reduction commitments are both achievable, and we will be discussing the matter with the relevant ministries in formulating our response.

Mr. Koumura: As for the umbrella formula, I think you can describe it as a non-EU bubble. I haven't been informed of any significant progress on this issue.

Question: What were the factors behind the 6% commitment by Japan and 7% by the United States?

Mr. Koumura: They are what amount to meaningful, equitable, and realistic targets. In other words, Japan considered what would be the highest commitment it could offer that would still be fair and realistic. I assume the question is about why Japan jacked up its commitment from 2.5% top 6%. I would say that the 6% figure was the highest we could go in the light of the various elements that this agreement features. I hope you will appreciate our effort.