I examined the levels of interest in hunting as a hobby (LIHs) by questionnaire among non-hunters in an urban area and its surrounds (n = 1198). LIH was significantly higher among males (P < 0.01), those who had family or acquaintances who were hunters (P < 0.05), and those who were aware of the damage that could be caused by wildlife (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in LIH between farmers and non-farmers, or between urban/urban fringe and rural residents. Respondents were asked about the positive and negative aspects of hunting as a hobby. As positive aspects of hunting, respondents with high LIHs selected “Love of nature” the most, followed by “Reduce damage to agriculture, forestry, and humans” and “Interest in guns,” then “Interest in meat and furs.” As negative aspects, respondents with low LIHs selected “Feelings of resistance toward owning a gun” and “Feelings of resistance toward hunting animals” six times more often than those with high LIHs. In the recruitment of hunters from urban and surrounding areas, it is appropriate to fully convey the enjoyment and fun of outdoor activities in nature and hunting, and especially the appeal of game meat. In addition, public education is needed to promote a wide understanding of wildlife management and the need for wildlife population control.

This study aimed to clarify the correlation between setback distance, local acceptance, and negative impacts of the distributed wind power project and identify the proper setback distance according to subsidy. The related policies and regulations for wind power systems and information on the distributed renewable energy demonstration project clarified its recognition, as well as the factors correlated with satisfaction and acceptance. Accordingly, a questionnaire for centralized and distributed wind power projects was designed to investigate awareness regarding local wind power projects and related questions for the control group. Correlations were seen between satisfaction, setback distance, and negative impacts. To obtain a fit setback distance for distributed wind power systems, the data were entered into SPSS regression models. The following formula was obtained: Satisfaction = 2.828 -0.016 * Distance + 4.305e-5 * Distance² -2.447e-8 * Distance³. Other questions assessed the distance that respondents were willing to increase or decrease if subsidy could be obtained, and the results were close to normal distribution. The mean of 483.79 meters indicated that respondents found it acceptable to live near distributed wind farms with an 8% discount in electricity bills when the setback distance was set at 484 meters.

The reuse rate of general biomass waste in Japan requires further improvement. This study estimated the biomass resources in each local district for garbage and paper waste from households and businesses. Assuming the conversion of biomass resources to biogas, electricity and heat generated by biogas cogeneration system (CGS) were estimated. Suitable facilities for biogas plants were identified, and the potential for power generation and heat utilization from the distributed CGS within the waste collection area was analyzed using a geographic information system. As a result, areas suitable for the introduction of biogas CGS plants were classified according to priority from the perspective of heat demand and biogas production. It was found that CO2 emissions decreased by approximately 580,000 t-CO2 and 330,000 t-CO2 per year in Osaka Prefecture and Hyogo Prefecture, respectively, when all the CGS power and recovered heat were utilized.

Municipalities play an increasing role in achieving carbon neutrality; however, research on integrated approaches for renewable energy deployment and biodiversity conservation by municipalities is limited. We analyzed how biodiversity conservation is ensured in municipalities when regulating land use for the siting of renewable energy facilities, such as those for wind power generation, focusing on ordinances related to renewable energy in Hokkaido. After confirming the role of municipalities under relevant laws, we analyzed the provisions of the ordinances and guidelines of municipalities in Hokkaido. We confirmed a gap in the role of municipalities under the laws for promoting renewable energy facility installation and protecting biodiversity. The former is a main player and the latter is secondary. To bridge this gap and take initiatives in coordinating land use for renewable energy facility installation while avoiding risks to biodiversity in areas not included under renewable energy promotion or protected areas, municipalities must establish ordinances. However, <4% of municipalities in Hokkaido have enacted ordinances. Moreover, approximately half of the ordinances and guidelines lack specificity regarding biodiversity conservation targets and methods.