A Role of Electronic Meeting Rooms in Local Governments in Response to Water Pollution Accidents in Japan

Abstract

Reviewed is the development by Japanese local governments of electronic meeting rooms in response to water pollution accidents. Also, the contents of the electronic meeting rooms in the field of environment are reviewed. The contents of the Electronic Meeting Room on Dioxin Release Accident in Fujisawa City are reviewed. The roles of the electronic meeting room in Fujisawa (EMRF) include as follows: Fujisawa city can access to the local information through EMRF, EMRF offers opportunities for Fujisawa city and the company concerned to learn a broader scope of citizen' views and concerns on the accidents and necessary responses and, the citizens can receive information clarifying their questions and concerns through EMRF. Also, the challenges and opportunities for wider use of electronic meeting rooms are discussed.