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Japan Pushes Anti-Pollution Agenda

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Los Angeles Times

Published: July 7, 2008

RUSUTSU, Japan - RUSUTSU, Japan - Even as most of the world struggles with soaring fuel and food prices, two major issues facing President Bush and seven other leaders as they meet here this week, many people in Japan see an opportunity to shine during these tough economic times because of the nation's long-running conservation programs.

Since the oil embargo crisis in 1973, Japan has done more than most nations to reduce its reliance on crude oil and develop green technologies, whether it's battery-powered cars or solar panels. That means the world's second-largest economy is better able to withstand the latest oil shock. And it has given Japanese leaders who are playing host to the Group of 8 major industrial nations, which begins today, greater standing from which to push their agenda on global warming.

As chairman of this year's G-8 summit, Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda has urged the group to agree to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by half by 2050. But at a news conference Sunday after bilateral meetings between leaders, Fukuda appeared to lower expectations that an agreement would be won, while Bush again said that China and India, two of the worst polluters, needed to be involved in any such accord.

China and India are not members of the G-8, although they are invited guests at the summit.

G-8 leaders will meet today with leaders of seven African nations to discuss aid and are expected to take up the issues of oil, food and global warming Tuesday.

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