In FY 2007, eleven areas in Japan, including the Daimaru-Yuri area (Otemachi, Marunouchi and Yurakucho) in Tokyo, were identified as model areas with significant heat island effect. In FY 2007, eleven areas in the nation, including Tokyo's Otemachi-Marunouchi-Yurakucho area (OMY area), were designated as mo...

In this issue, we will introduce countermeasures against the "heat island effect. In contrast, large and mid-sized cities are expected to mitigate the heat island effect by securing natural wind paths, green spaces, and waterfront areas. Large and mid-sized cities are securing wind paths for air circulation, green space, and wat...

As we enter the second half of May, the temperature in Tokyo today is said to be as high as 28°C (82°F). It looks like this summer is going to be hot again. So, I would like to introduce you to a series of articles on what is being done in urban areas. The first one is about the "heat island phenomenon. The heat island phenomenon is caused by an increase in man-made cover such as concretes on the ground surface in urban areas. Th...

As environmental issues are becoming more serious worldwide, a teenage female activist from Sweden is known to have made a speech at the United Nations. The first time it seemed to be taken up was at the Stockholm Conference, which was held in 1972, triggered by the country's call for action. At the time, Sweden was suffering from acid rain and other pollution caused by soot and smoke emitted from coal-fired power plants in distant Western European countries. Sweden had s...

In the previous article, we introduced "decoupling" as used in environmental issues. This time, I would like to introduce "decoupling," which is sometimes used when discussing the relationship between nations as mentioned at the beginning of Part 1, quoting a comment by a Japanese minister. That is the kind of report that has been issued, and we will take it on board, scrutinize it carefully, and respond appropriately. That is why we have removed the package...