JAPAN-EUROPE: New technology cuts greenhouse gas

Leah Germain 10 May 2009

Japan has formed a coalition with the European Union promoting cooperation in developing energy technologies to drastically reduce the world's carbon dioxide emissions. Both sides will focus on several specific areas of research, including photovoltaics, power shortage and carbon capture and storage.

They have also agreed on the development of a workshop in Tokyo that will follow up the forging of a recent EU-Japan Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement.

A statement released following the alignment said: "The cooperation between the EU and Japan in the field of energy research is of mutual benefit in assisting both sides to meet the current global energy challenges."

The plan will enhance exchange of information, scientists, managers and reviewers. Japan has been a long-standing supporter of the Kyoto Protocol, hosting the negotiations that led to its establishment and has a recent strong track record in promoting environment-friendly technology.

Its government has developed a Cool Earth-Innovative Energy Technology Programme which includes a long-term proposal to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by half their current level by 2050.

The European Commission has a history of developing environmentally conscious legislation including developing a Strategic Energy Technology Plan. The plan proposes several ways the EU will be able to meet targets set this year for cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 2020.

The SET plan encourages EU member states to work together to promote industry and society through the development of new green technologies.

Receive UWN's free weekly e-newsletters

Sponsored Article

Getting to net zero, one community at a time

University of Victoria staff

Accelerating Community Energy Transformation is a University of Victoria-led collaborative initiative that brings together over 40 partners, including Indigenous knowledge keepers and community leaders, to create innovative place-based solutions for energy system transformation.

Promoted by the University of Victoria.

Sponsored Article

Africa pays a premium for global climate change sluggishness

Stellenbosch University staff

Africa needs to stop paying the price for the rest of the world’s recalcitrance to act fast enough in response to the irrefutable conclusions that climate change is real and that the impact of global warming could be devasting, says Professor Guy Midgley, interim director of the School for Climate Studies at Stellenbosch University, South Africa.

Promoted by Stellenbosch University.

Sponsored Article

Innovations to ensure energy savings in a hot, arid climate

UAE University staff

Researchers from the United Arab Emirates University have shown that the potential benefits of building energy savings and a cooler indoor environment, as well as improved cooling effect on air temperature at pedestrian level, strongly indicate that a cool roof with high solar reflectance and albedo is a promising strategy for buildings in regions with hot, arid climates.

Promoted by United Arab Emirates University.

Sponsored Article

A new global university ranking with an ethical mission

Aftab Dean

A new university ranking system aims to serve as a catalyst for positive transformation in higher education, ensuring that universities create an environment grounded in integrity and sustainability that inspires and supports students and staff in the development of novel solutions to global challenges.

Promoted by Globethics.net.

Sponsored Article

SDG progress report launches university into new territory

University of Pretoria staff

In the publication of its first progress report on its contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals, the University of Pretoria is navigating new territory at the same time as it is acknowledging its clear stewardship role in protecting the environment and biodiversity.

Promoted by the University of Pretoria.