The Needs of Future Generations are Being Met by Current Policies of Sustainable Development - Essay Example

THE NEEDS OF FUTURE GENERATIONS ARE BEING MET BY CURRENT POLICES OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT by Japan continues providing a key example of what leadership skills and management; as well as sustainable development, can and are able to do in the contemporary arena. Ranked 12th place amongst 176 participating nations – as provided in the 2013 Global Sustainable Competitive Index – Japan is the only Asian nation to make it to the ranking, in the top 20 threshold. Such a feat is not without its sacrifices, perseverance and great human input; of which this Island nation is famed for. A unique cultural affiliation to environmental sustainability may be perhaps one of the core reasons why, the nation continues featuring in various globally recognized initiatives and endeavors. To this end, I am of the view that – the needs of future generations are being met by current policies of sustainable development. Hereafter, the paper will display various ways in which the Island nation continues being a leading driver in environmental sustainability, which is encompassed around their industrial output. It is on these measurements that I agree with the aforementioned thesis statement. Sustainability may be regarded as simply, ‘the development of human society, within the means necessary to ensure adequate environmental preservation, which is mindful of future generations.’ To be noted, Japan is a leading industrial nation, founded on the sectors of industry, trade and commerce, as well as electronic sector development. These as the core drivers of its economy, are all envisaged around the need for preservation not only of the environment, but also of cultures, traditions and good human growth and sustenance (Barrett, 2005:23). It is to this end that it is understandable of the Japanese business sector being concerned about sustainable development. Hand in hand with the prevailing governments, the business community has with time come to appreciate, on the need for not just resource exploitation, but rather exploitation that is environment-conscious and hence sustainable in the end. Sustainability continues to increasingly become a common terminology within the business sector, where although it continues being an invaluable discourse to have it is importantly so, a key criterion for the measurement of business conducts within the international economy. Accordingly, the aforementioned index provides a prime example of the level of commitment, which Japan continues to exhibit; concerning the philosophy of – environmental sustainability (Berger & Nisida, 2009:34). Pertinently so, is the fact that while the various CSR standards of measurement are not mandatory, all corporations conducting international business are expected to at least learn from, or refer to prevailing CSR-related standardization measures. These are inclusive of amongst others: - ISO26000; the OECD guidelines (for global enterprises); the GRI’s Sustainability Reporting Guidelines, and the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. Initial global growth of the international industrial sector, placed the Island on the global market; founded on the various successful enterprises nurtured from the Post-war Reconstruction Era (Holzinger, Knill & Sommerer, 2011:85). Key amongst such enterprises was the automobile manufacturing sector; the electronics sector; the securities and equity sector; science and technology; education and artwork – all of which played a major role in alleviating the nation to amongst global leaders of industry. However, with the advent of the recent ‘Credit Crisis’, the global economy witnessed great stresses, resulting in a depression that impacted upon the whole global arena; abate to differing levels. Japan was majorly hurt, because of the intertwined nature of global economics as influenced by the aspect of globalization. As a result, the Japanese market witnessed a dip in overall sales volumes, which necessitated public-private sector intervention (Young, 2000:45). This depression was at least alleviated through various measures that resulted in the economy gradually rising from the depression though it continues facing stagnation. While the market continues to stagnate, a majority of Japanese firm-entities are on the search for diversification especially in overseas markets. Hence, the need to reaffirm their commitment to sustainable development and general sustainability. As a result, environmental sustainability issues have and is important to many a Japanese business. Fundamental to this, is the general concern with regard to the issue of resource scarcity. As a result, environmental sustainability issues i.e. energy efficiency; reduced industrial emission/ pollution; optimal resource utility, and efficient land utility amongst others, are and continue being top on the agenda. Due to the dynamic nature of the contemporary business environment, a majority of Japanese entities are under pressure; concerning re-adjusting their business practices with the aim of meeting the expectations of the diverse stakeholders present. This is often viewed in perspective of prevailing customs and culture, which are inclined towards positive interaction with the environment. A key element in this regard is governance, not only in the private sector (industry), but also public governance as enshrined in their constitution (Simpson, Toman & Ayres, 2005:37). It is in line with their ‘non-armament’ treaty, as well as many other examples that Japan was able to accomplish different feats i.e. the aforementioned – ranking at 12th place amongst 176 participating nations – as provided in the 2013 Global Sustainable Competitive Index (standardization measure). In addition, has been the continuous focus on enhancing the integration of CSR into organizational practices in alignment with cultural tradition. Accordingly, the Index ranking aforementioned portrays a nation that continues to balance the three-sided energy dilemma: - that of sustenance of economic strength environmental sustainability and energy equity (Reyes, 2013:63). However, a major headache continues being the fact that the resource-poor nation continues to struggle with unfavorable consumption to total energy production rates; hence export to import ratios. To be noted is that Japan’s electricity fuel mix continues remaining diverse, from hydro-electricity and conventional thermal energy, to nuclear energy as well as other renewable systems. Conventional thermal energy provides the bulk of the nation’s electricity needs; heaven-sent, one would say, given the recent effects of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident. As a direct result of the tsunami, earthquake and Fukushima nuclear accident that majorly affected the North East part of the nation, sustainable development and sustainability in general has been questioned (Jorgenson & Clark, 2011:217). Certain political blocs provide various avenues, in terms of policy formulation, of how they can be able to guide in the quest of rebuilding the Japanese nation in a better and more sustainable manner. One key question exists in the form of whether or not, to utilize the existing nuclear facilities, given the deadly implications, as witnessed in Fukushima. All in all contextually, as Dryzek (1997) portrays, indicators of societal and political strength continue to repeat their excellent performance; this while experiencing continued decline, due to both continued high cost of living and a weakening macro-economic stability. In terms of sustainable competitiveness, the presence of the sustainable innovation component in the Japanese context necessarily means the presence of amongst others: - quality education; job and income creation for citizenry; creation of globally competitive services and products, and the continued cultivation of both research and development. Accordingly, states with high scores in such ranking are more likely to increase successful economies, by way of both research and knowledge-driven economies i.e. high-value added industries; thereby achieving better growth rates (Dryzek, 1997:51). Japan is undoubtedly in this category, which may explain why – the Kyoto Protocol on sustainable development – was appended signatures by various industrial states, in the Japanese nation. In terms of NSDs – National Sustainable Development strategies – the nation does not have any existing strategies; abate having an environmental plan. Developed successfully in the year 1994, then 2000 and the latest in 2006, the – Basic Environment Plans do outline the various administrations long-term, comprehensive measures; concerning environmental policy, as well as related policy issues. This is achievable due to the Plan’s cross-sectoral approaches, which focus on pertinent environmental aspects of continued sustainable development. This thus entails focus on both the background and future directions of environmental policy; followed by an overview of the prevailing integrated specific implementation approaches and finally, by way of setting up activities, which are essential for the effective implementation of these plans (Ayres, 1997:46). Through varying indicators, the nation is able to monitor the plan’s progress, in turn strengthening the prevailing environmental considerations while enhancing specific government entity coordination. References Ayres, R 1997, Towards zero emissions: is there a feasible path? - Introduction to ZERI Phase II (working paper). Tokyo: UNU/IAS. Barrett, B 2005, Ecological modernization and Japan. London: Routledge. Berger, G & Nisida, G 2009, Sustainable development strategies beyond Europe. European Sustainable Development Network [ESDN Quarterly Reports], retrieved from: http://www.sd-network.eu/?k=quarterly%20reports&report_id=14 Dryzek, JS 1997, The politics of the Earth – environmental discourses. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Holzinger, K, Knill, C & Sommerer, T 2011, Is there convergence of national environmental policies? An analysis of policy outputs in 24 OECD countries. Environmental Politics, 20(1): 20-41. Jorgenson, AK & Clark, B 2011, Societies consuming nature: A panel study of the ecological footprints of nations, 1960-2003. Social Science Research, 40: 226-244. Moreno, RP 2011, Japan’s Urban Agriculture: Cultivating Sustainability and Well-being. United Nations University [publications, Green Economy: Urban Development], retrieved from: http://unu.edu/publications/articles/japan-s-urban-agriculture-what-does-the-future-hold.html Reyes, E 2013, Japan ranks as top Asian country in Global Sustainability Index. Eco-Business News [Asia Pacific’s sustainable business community], retrieved from: http://www.eco-business.com/news/japan-ranks-top-asian-country-global-sustainability-index/ Simpson, R, Toman, MA & Ayres, R 2005, Scarcity and Growth Revisited: Natural Resources and the Environment in the New Millennium (Ed.). Washington, D.C.: RFF Press Books. Young, SC 2000, The Emergence of Ecological Modernization – Integrating the Environment and the Economy? (Ed.). London: Routledge. Read More