Environmental Challenges Facing Japan and China - Essay Example

Environmental Challenges Author’s Name Institutional affiliation Tutor Date Outline Introduction Discussion Environmental challenges facing Japan Fishery and whaling Nuclear power Waste management and global warming Urban planning Environmental challenges facing China Deforestation Pollution Water resources Energy efficiency Desertification Climate change and biodiversity Comparison between Japan and China Recommendations on how to address the challenges Japan China Conclusion Introduction Environmental challenges refer to activities carried out by humans and which harm the environment. There are many and diverse climate related disasters in the world today in comparison to a number of years back. The disasters appear to be striking harder and this means that with each new disaster a bigger number of lives are lost and more property is damaged. According to the United Nations' Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), it is estimated that between the years 1992 to 2008, the cost incurred in responding to disaster has increased ten times (Hoshino, 1992, pp. 55-61). Some of the disasters that have devastated large populations include tropical storms on an intensity not experienced in the recent past; there are places that have experienced prolonged droughts while other areas have seen sudden heavy rains which have been very destructive. Environmental challenges affected both the rich and poor countries alike. It is also a fact that both the developed and the developing countries have in one way or the other contributed to the environmental problems facing the planet today. Government policies in many countries have been centred on the need to grow the economies. There appears to general disregard to the effects of the methods which are applied in growing the economies partly due to the need to maximize output and cut down on costs. However, what is apparent is that, the destruction to the environment could perhaps reverse the many gains that the human race has made. This essay shall examine two countries and analyze the environmental challenges facing them. The first country is a developed country, Japan and the second country is a developing country, China. Japan is an island nation which is located in East Asia. Japan is an archipelago and it is made up of a total of 6,852 islands. With a population of about 126 million people, Japan ranks as the world's tenth most populous nation. The People's Republic of China is an Asian country also happens to be the world's most populous country with a population of 1.35 billion. Discussion Environmental Challenges facing Japan In Japan, the environmental issues in relation to pollution of the environment have followed industrialization from as early as the Meiji period. There were reports of pollution from as early as 1878. This incident of pollution resulted from repeated flooding whereby farmland was destroyed water which contained copper compounds from a copper mine known as Ashio mine (United Nations University, 1992). Japan is the world's largest importer of natural resources, both renewable and non renewable. The country also ranks among the largest consumers of fossil fuels. Japan has not been spared of the negative effects that usually accompany industrialization and these relate to environmental degradation. Fishery and whaling Fish and fish products feature more prominently in Japanese diets more than other types of meat. Ocean stocks reduced greatly in the late 20th century. This has led to rapid reduction in the annual fish catches by Japan. The international fish trade is dominated by Japan as well as the European Union and the United States (FAO). In 2000 Japan occupied position three in terms of fish catches behind China and Peru. The other major countries involved in fishing include Russia, Chile, the United States and India. As compared to the 1975 level, there was a reduction of about 80% of adult Atlantic blue fin tuna that was capable of spawning in the western half of the ocean. Japan controls about a quarter of world's supply for species such as southern blue fin, yellow fish, blue fin, bigeye as well as albacore (AP, 2008, p. 1). Nuclear power At one time, Japan derived about one third of it electric power from nuclear power plants. Many Japanese were generally in support of the continued use of the existing nuclear power plants. However, on March 11, 2011 a nuclear accident occurred at Fukushima Dai Ichi power plant. After the nuclear accident, a lot support for nuclear energy has disappeared and a majority of the Japanese is in favour of nuclear power being phased out completely. Naoto Kan who has previously served as the Japanese Premier was among the leading politicians to indicate his opposition to use of nuclear energy and made a suggestion that nuclear power should be phased out with the country exploring other sources of renewable energy. There have been many objections against plans to construct new nuclear power plants following the earthquake and tsunami which resulted in the nuclear meltdown. The meltdown affected three nuclear reactors at the Fukushima Dai ichi nuclear plant. There have also been concerns on treatment of radioactive wastes. There have been major leaks of water which has nuclear radiation and the seemingly helplessness of the power companies has not helped matters as far as public support for nuclear energy is concerned. Waste management and global warming Japan faces lack of affordable space for use as landfills which can be used to dispose of solid waste and thus making it pretty expensive to dispose of solid waste. Japan is a signatory of the Kyoto protocol in addition to hosting the conference which led to the agreement. Under the obligations of the agreement, Japan is required to reduce carbon dioxide to level that is 6% lower than the 1990 levels (Makino, 2007, p.41). Japan ranks in position 5 among the biggest emitters of emission. Initially, Japan treated the disposal of electronic waste differently from other materials (Kojima, 2008, p.66). This was done by workers who were trained specially on how to dismantle and recycle the electronic material. However, as a result of the high costs involved, disposal of electronic waste was conducted just like the ordinary waste in landfills which could cause problems for a country. Urban planning Following the destruction occasioned by the Second World War in Japan, there were massive efforts to rebuild the country. Further development led to more urbanization and constructions. Construction industry ranks among the largest in Japan. Even though there are many natural spaces and parks in Japan there exists no major restriction as where or even how construction should be undertaken. This development which appears not very organized has led to construction of building which are very congested. This manner of construction poses environmental problems and makes it more difficult to protect the environment. The construction industry actively lobbies to prevent introduction of laws providing for zoning as well other efforts to ensure protection of the environment. Environmental Challenges facing China China faces many environmental issues. These issues affect the environment as well as human health. The large extent of pollution to the environment can be attributed to the rapid rate at which China has been industrializing as well as weak measures being taken to protect the environment (Day, 2005, p. 73). It is not surprising then that about 16 of the 20 cities which are most affected by pollution as to be found in China (NPR, 2013). The environmental issues affecting China take different forms as discussed below- Deforestation Forest cover in China is about 20% (Liu & Nelson, 2005 pp. 1179-1186). China has some of the most expansive forest in the world. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) listed China as being among the 15 countries which had the most virgin forest as per the year 2001 (Edmonds, 1998, p.64). However, estimate that about 36% of China's closed forests face destruction owing to the high number of people. This put more at least 111 million hectares of forest land at risk from destruction (Jianguo & Nelson, 2005, pp. 32-36). Conservation International, in 2011, stated that one of the worlds' ten most threatened forest regions was south-west Sichuan. As a result of human activities such as logging, mining and collection of wood, certain species such as the giant panda has been negatively affected due to the unwelcome changes. Pollution Pollution taking various forms has increased in China in tandem with industrialization. The pollution has resulted in far reaching problems for the environment as well as health (Wong, 2013 pp.). Beijing has experienced very high levels of pollution especially during the months of winter (Economy, 2004, p. 67). This is because the city has a lot of industries, heating is done using coal and it lies in a topographic bowl. This means that air inversions occur thus the reason for the high levels of pollution during winter months. As of January, 2013, particulates borne by the air were found to pose the greatest risk to health. The figures recorded have been as high as 993 micrograms per cubic metre for Beijing (Jianguo & Nelson, 2005, pp. 32-36). This figure is extremely large bearing in mind the fact that the World Health Organization's guidelines provide that they should not be above 25. Water resources China faces serious challenges with regard to water resources. China faces reduced quantities of water coupled with severe pollution of the little that is available (Han, 2006 p. 54). Due to rapid industrialization and a growing population demand for the scarce water resources has increased. There is also the lack of strict considerations for the observance of conservation laws. With the increased number of dams being built in China, there are definitely some negative consequences as a result of such dams. Environmental impact assessments to wetlands are not taken into consideration despite overwhelming evidence that such constructions affect the migration patterns for fish, accumulation of industrial effluent in the reservoirs and landslides which results from erosion of river banks. The development of dams has also resulted in mass displacement of people disrupting lives of the common people (Han, 2006, p. 54). Water security in Asia has also been affected by the activities being carried out by China. With building of dams on the Tibetan Plateau, there are far reaching implication for water supply downstream. Such developments disrupt the complex ecosystem since the natural flood-drought cycle is likely to be disrupted due to the blocking of transportation of sediment (Karan, 2010, pp. 102-108). The development has affected the ecosystem as well as the livelihood of millions of people who live in Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Burma. The reduced water levels have also seen reduced numbers of fish. Energy efficiency During the period from 1980 to 2000, China saw an improvement in energy efficiency. However, in 1997, there were fears that there would be economic recession. This resulted in the introduction of incentive in forms of lower taxes and financing by the State to increase the pace of industrialization. These measures appear to have led to an industry that was not very efficient in terms of energy (Kahn, 2007, pp. 34-38). Steel factories in China, for example, used up to one-fifth more energy to produce on ton of steel than what other industries use on average at the international level. Other areas are much worse such as production of cement which requires 45% more power while production of ethylene was found to use up to 70 per cent more than the international average. Buildings in China do not often use thermal insulation and these results to use of almost twice as much energy to heat or cool as compared to houses in Europe and United States of America which are found in similar climates. More nine out of every 10 new houses fail to meet regulations set by the government to ensure energy efficiency (Kahn, 2007, pp. 43-49). Desertification China is faced by the serious problem of desertification and deserts are claiming more land than that used for farming. Deserts are expanding at an alarming rate of above 67 Km2 every year. The western part of China accounts for about 90% of the desertification (Jun, 2006, p.72). Nearly 30% of China is desert and the rapid rate of industrialization is estimated to cause the desertification to increase even at a higher rate. The Gobi desert located to the north of China has been expanding by an estimated figure of 2,500 km2 very year. Expansion of agricultural land in northern China could result in plains that were regularly flooded by Yellow River to result in increased desertification (Jared, 2005, pp. 364-5). As a result of desertification, sandstorms have become a very serious problem in the country. Northern China continues to experience sandstorms whose source is desert regions located in northern central China. The sandstorms also affect the capital, Beijing (Day, 2005, p. 73). The sandstorms are not localized in China but also affect neighbouring countries such as South Korea and Japan with also the west coast of the United States also being affected by the sandstorms. Climate change and biodiversity The government of China holds a contentious position with regard to climate change. China is the leading country in terms of emission of carbon dioxide. Though China has ratified the Kyoto Protocol, China is not listed in Annex I. Therefore it is not required to limit emissions of greenhouse gases as provided for under the agreement (Hagesawa, 2004, p. 43-47). China has not been forthcoming with respect to complying with the spirit of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. This means that importation of rhino horn, ivory and shark fins have continued in China (Day, 2005 p. 73). About 400 million Chinese nationals have had their lives negatively affected by desertification. It could be argued that desertification happens to be the most important challenge as far as environment is concerned in China (Managi & Kaneko, 2009, p. 76). Desertification is increased by drought, poor practices employed during farming, and a demand for ground water which has risen. What this has led to is abandonment of land by farmer as a result of such land becoming unusable and this in turn translates into higher rates of poverty. Comparison between Japan and China Japan China 1. Fishery and whaling Deforestation 2. Nuclear power Pollution 3. Waste management and global warming Water resources 4. Urban planning Energy efficiency 5. Desertification 6. Climate change and biodiversity Table 1: A comparison between environmental challenges facing China and Japan Japan and China are some of the biggest economies in the world. The two countries also face enormous challenges which concern the environment. The environmental issues affecting the two countries bear some similarities while there are still many differences. China and Japan face serious threats to the environment. However, the problem is worse for China which appears to have turned a blind eye to enforcement of measures meant to protect the environment. Both countries have huge population and the issue of water is critical to both. While Japan appears to have made major strides to make use of technology to deal with issues of water shortage and waste disposal, China still lags. Air pollution is also a phenomenon for both countries. Japan, having ratified the Kyoto protocol appears keen to reduce its emissions. On the other hand, China appears to be majorly concerned with economic development and this has the impact of pollution being evident judging from the thick fog which has become a common phenomenon in major cities including the capital, Beijing. In as much as the two countries face momentous challenges as far as the environment is concerned, China still needs to put in place major measures in place to protect the environment. Recommendations on how to address the environmental challenges The frequency and enormity of disaster arising out of environmental degradation is worrying. What almost everyone agrees is that something needs to be done but the problem arises when it comes to coming up with concrete plans to ensure that further and worse disasters can be averted in the future. It is thus clear that the two countries need to move with speed to try and correct a situation which is already clearly bad enough. Japan and China have to rethink about their policies on the environment and make difficult decisions as to what serves their best interests in the long term. Making of policies is just one side, ensuring compliance with the policies developed by the government is the more difficult part and there should be proper mechanisms to ensure that rules relating to environment are respected and that every person understand and plays their role. Cooperation between the two countries as well as involving other countries in Asia and also others which are far away is very critical. It is evident that no problem can be termed as localized and hence the need to develop measure that cut across the borders in order to protect the environment (Imura, 2005, p.83). Japan Japan has put in place measures aimed at addressed the issue of electronic waste disposal. There are laws in place which encourage companies as well as individuals to recycle home appliances. Japan has imposed a charge on consumers of electronic which is to cater for the collection and recycling of the waste. Part of the process for the recycling is not under government regulation. This leads to manufacturers hiring whomever they want to build a recycling facility. The manufacturers tend to recycle electronic waste in whatever way they think fit (Michikazu, 2008, pp. 7-8). This leads to manufacturers opting for the cheapest way of recycling the electronic waste. There is therefore a huge gap as far as recycling of electronic waste is concerned. The government would probably be required to step and ensure that the regulations are a little bit tighter to ensure a safer environment is attained. Japan needs to rethink on its nuclear energy programme. There should be measures put in place to ensure that disposal of nuclear waste in properly done. For example a new spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant was constructed in 2008 at Rokkasho but no decision had yet to be made on the repository for underground nuclear waste. There should be proper environmental studies before construction of a disposal site. Following the accident at Fukushima after an earthquake and a tsunami, the island nation perhaps needs to rethink about its nuclear energy programme which has come under attack from many citizens (Michikazu, 2008, pp. 7-8). There is need to have proper studies conducted to ensure that if at all nuclear power is to be used, and then all safety measures have been addressed including the ability of such nuclear power plants to withstand disasters. The Japanese government needs to address conservation concerns such as whaling. There are concerns that whaling which has been going on is not for scientific research as claimed (Hasegawa, 2004, p.66). There should also be measures to ensure proper planning of cities such that zoning is properly done and this would go a long way in enhancing environment protection (Karan, 2010, pp. 102-108). Japan should make use of technology to address pressing issues such as water and waste management. China China needs to acknowledge the enormity of the environmental problems affecting it and show commitment to address the myriad of challenges that the country faces. China should put in concerted efforts to ensure a reversal of the desertification affecting the country. In the year 2001, a project known as the Green Wall of China was unveiled. This was aimed at creating a 'green belt' which was 4,500 which would hold the encroaching desert. The first phase was to be completed in 2010 and cover 9 million acres and cost about $8 billion. The government of China aims at restoring most land that is now desert back to forest (Song & Woo, 2008, p. 54). However, despite the seemingly attractiveness of the measures sought to be implemented to curb desertification and reclaim deserts, facts on the ground suggest that more requires to be done if the damage already done is be mended. China should put in place measures to ensure that it improves on energy efficiency. This could be done in phases with certain targets being set for each phase. China should be very candid on the issue of climate change and take measures which are meant to address this disturbing global phenomenon. It is therefore incumbent upon China to put in place measures to ensure reduction in emission of green house gases (Song & Woo, 2008, p. 54). Chinese authorities have already taken note on the intensity of the problem of air pollution. The Chinese government has therefore set an ambitious programme to reduce emission by not less than 25% by the year 2017 in comparison with the levels as at 2012. Coal industry has been responsible for most of the air pollution (Shapiro, 2012, pp. 61-68). This means that the Chinese government should explore other 'greener' sources of energy which do less harm to the environment. The Chinese authorities claim that they have invested in excess of 40 billion Yuan between 1998 and 2001 on programmes aimed at protecting vegetation, converting farms to forests as well as farm subsidies. China should build better infrastructure to take care of water and increase regulations on the water usage as well as ways of stemming pollution. Technological measures need to be explored to address the problem of water. Coal powered power stations are especially notorious for a lot of water usage and this has had adverse effects in Northern (Shapiro, 2012, pp. 61-68). Conclusion Environmental issues are now a reality in many parts of the planet. While there are countries that have made major strides in attempting to solve the problems facing the environment, some have appeared a little reluctant and keen on development. However, it is evident that the future is going to be bleak unless the required measures are put in place to protect the environment and reverse the current trend. Japan and China are some of the major players in the global economy and the two could play a major role in reversing the dangerous trend on the environment. References Day, K. A. (2005). China's environment and the challenge of sustainable development. Armonk, N.Y: M.E. Sharpe. Economy, E. (2004). The river runs black: The environmental challenge to China's future. Ithaca: Cornell university press. Edmonds, R. L. (1998). Managing the Chinese environment. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Han, J. (2006). Effects of Integrated Ecosystem Management on Land Degradation Control and Poverty Reduction. 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