Preface

Abstract

Outline of the Seven Papers of this SpecialIssue

In this Special Issue of Global Environmental Research, the editors asked Japan’s top scientists and experts in the areas of climate change science and policy to review and consider perspectives in related research fi elds after the Paris Agreement.

First, Dr. Kameyama of the National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES) examines key issues for academic experts to prioritize and deal with to support implementation of the Paris Agreement in the post-2020 period. She presents the overall architecture and provisions of the Paris Agreement, maps its major themes, and considers governance issues related to equity and transparency.

Second, Dr. Ashina of NIES discusses transitioning of energy systems and technologies toward achieving the Paris Agreement. In Japan, most GHG emissions come from energy consumption, so de-carbonization of energy systems is crucial and essential. Therefore he underscores the need for technological innovation in energy supply and demand to achieve the target.

Third, Dr. Masui of NIES deals with future scenarios toward achievement of the 2℃ target. He introduces controversial discussions in Japan over the past decade toward the 2℃ target, and discusses what will be needed in Japan to realize the 2℃ target.

Fourth, Dr. Takahashi of NIES overviews research on climate change impacts and adaptation in Japan, and explains climate risk management based on scientific evidence. Based on this review, he suggests important directions for future research on climate risks such as co-design and co-production of climate risk for decision making and strategy planning, improvement of quantification and communication of uncertainties in climate risk analyses, and so on.

Fifth, Dr. Hara and Shimada of the Center for Environmental Science in Saitama (CESS) discuss recent progress in local governmental planning for climate change adaptation, presenting a typical case in Saitama Prefecture. Some municipalities have formulated their own adaptation plan based on the National Adaptation Plan. The Saitama Prefectural Government plays a leading role in local adaptation planning and its implementation as a good practice.

Sixth, Dr. Yamanoshita et al. of the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) explain Japan’s new initiative for reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries (REDD+). They examine a new bilateral initiative of Japan called JCM REDD+, which would contribute to REDD+ result based finance. JCM REDD+ is a unique REDD+ activity, and to maximize its potential, modalities and guidelines for transparency and accounting related to REDD+, the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) should be clarified under the Paris Agreement.

Lastly, Dr. Kuriyama and Dr. Morita of IGES identify factors for promoting renewable energy projects through the Clean Development Mechnaism (CDM), and analyze CDM projects in China, India and ASEAN countries. This paper will be useful in applying the CDM to renewable energy projects in Asian countries.

These seven papers reviewing past research and envisioning future research after the Paris Agreement will be of great help to environmental researchers, experts and policy makers in promoting a variety of studies and surveys to achieve the 2℃ target.

Guest Editor

Hideo HARASAWA

Vice President, National Institute for Environmental Studies