Abstract: In Japan, the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020, with subsequent waves of infection that peaked during July 2020 and September 2020. To identify the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the number of people who participated in volunteer activities and the features of these activities, we used data from nationwide surveys collected in March 2019, February 2020, and October 2020. Compared with those before the pandemic (March 2019 and February 2020), fewer people participated in volunteer activities during October 2020 due to pandemic-associated cancellation of events and other restraints regarding volunteering. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many volunteer experiences were conducted online and were unaffiliated with an organization. Almost all of the participants in these activities had been active volunteers prior to the pandemic.

Abstract: The amount of photovoltaic power generation in Japan has been increasing rapidly since the start of the feed-in tariff (FIT) program, but there are concerns about environmental and disaster prevention issues associated with the construction of facilities. In this study, the location characteristics and disaster risks of solar panels was evaluated by overlaying the locations of solar panels extracted from high resolution land use land cover map, topographical conditions, and expected disaster zones. It was found that solar panels are mostly located on the Pacific side, which has good sunlight conditions, followed by Hokkaido, Ibaraki and Fukushima prefectures. The past land use and land cover is dominated by man-made structures in urban areas, while suburban areas are dominated by natural structures such as fields and forests, raising concerns about the environmental impact of solar panel construction. In addition, 3.1% of all solar panels in Japan are located in landslide hazard areas, and 13.4% are located in flood inundation areas (the maximum predicted area of flood), indicating that solar panels are located in areas with high risk of disasters, especially in the Chubu region.

Abstract: The promotion of electric vehicles (EVs) can reduce dependency on fossil energy sources and lead to a low-carbon transition in the transport sector. However, the demand for critical metal materials during the manufacturing process of EVs is substantial, and the sustainable supply of resources, as well as the environmental impacts caused by the mining of critical materials for batteries, are becoming increasingly critical. Therefore, this study estimated the future size of EVs in China using improved forecasting models and actual market data. A material flow-based approach was used to analyze the demand for critical metals in the technological upgrading of power batteries, and we calculated the feasible recycled content standards (RCS) for China’s decommissioned battery industry. The results show that, through a closed-loop recycling approach, 46.48 – 91.11% of the critical metal demand in 2060 can be met by decommissioning supply and avoiding 52.73 – 115.22 Mt of CO₂ emissions. However, the circular economy (CE) strategy alone cannot eliminate the risk of critical material supply; therefore, it is necessary to promptly enhance the battery-industry management strategy, improve resource utilization efficiency, and build a green industrial chain for batteries. The results of this study provide scientific references for EV battery industry policy, recycling systems, and technology upgrading, as well as a theoretical basis for the EV industry to achieve sustainable development.

Abstract: Stable treatment with cementitious solidifier is carried out as a countermeasure against soft ground, but the use of cementitious solidifier for ground improvement leads to a large amount of carbon dioxide emission during the firing of the limestone. In the future, the use of returned concrete will contribute to the reduction of carbon dioxide. In addition, effective use of by-products as auxiliary materials will lead to carbon dioxide reduction. In road construction, it is expected that technology will be applied to add value to the generated soil at the site, and consideration of effective use will be considered.

Abstract: One of the crucial prerequisites to realize the goal of carbon neutrality is the integrated energy system (IES) to achieve a net zero emissions target. Energy storage systems(ESSs) provide an effective way to address the volatility and instability of renewable energy systems (RESs). Carbon dioxide (CO₂) capture and storage (CCS) technology is an efficient method to reduce carbon emissions from coal-fired power plants (CFPPs). In terms of IES, the total costs, emission reduction potential and marginal abatement cost (MAC) are considered as significant indicators. This study aims to explore the emission reduction effects and economic analysis of future IES from the perspective of life-cycle carbon emissions and costs through the deployment of optimized ESSs (including short-term and long-term energy storage) and different CCS retrofitting rates. Taking the energy system of Inner Mongolia, China, as an example, based on future energy goal and emission reduction potential, our results indicate that the deployment of CCS and EESs could reduce emission by approximately 26 – 128 million tons in 2030 under current energy plans, power generation cost may increase by 8 billion to 46 billion CNY, this is mainly because that ESSs have higher cost to compare CCS retrofitting cost, which significantly increased the total IES cost. Moreover, research results also show that the MAC value of CCS retrofitting is the lowest under different energy scenarios, CCS retrofitting should be prioritized under the current energy structure. The synergy between ESSs and CCS retrofitting not only accelerates energy carbon emission reduction but also the MAC of synergy is between ESSs installation and CCS retrofitting.

Abstract: Based on a philosophical discussion of the citizen/consumer model, this study aims to reveal the determinants of citizen attitudes, specifically how individuals engage with environmental issues as citizens. Key requirements for citizen attitudes include the ability to provide reasons—including emotions such as anxieties about environmental problems—when making assertions or decisions. We conducted a web survey targeting both Japanese and Korean respondents and analyzed the determinants using logistic regression. The dependent variables were "reasons for engaging in pro-environmental behavior" and "emotions about the environment." Our analytical model posited that these "reasons" and "emotions" are influenced by factors such as the "Korean dummy," the "student dummy," perceptions of worsening environmental conditions, and the pro-environmental behavior of those around the respondents. The results supported this model. While Korean respondents were more likely to choose "social justice" as a reason for engaging in pro-environmental behavior, Japanese respondents often reported "no specific reason." Additionally, Japanese respondents frequently indicated "no strong emotions" regarding either local or global environmental issues. These findings suggest weaker citizen attitudes towards environmental concerns among the Japanese population.

Abstract: This study clarifies how the organizations called land trusts in California, in the USA, develop their activities by focusing on the characteristics of the legal system and the method of raising funds. The results showed that they use two methods to conserve land, land acquisition and conservation easements, which are done either voluntarily or by undertaking requests for mitigation. Land acquisition allows the land trust to freely manage the land to fulfill its mission, and the cost of acquisition is relatively high. Conservation easement is based on contracts that can continue even if the landowner changes, and often limits the land trust’s ability to use and manage the land because it is private property. The acquisition cost is relatively low and the landowner may receive tax benefits. The income of land trusts is diverse, including grants, donations, investment income, and profits from the sale of land, while the mitigation system provides income from developers. Japan does not have a legal system for conservation easement or mitigation requirements. The case of California may provide some inspiration for activating land trust activities in Japan in the future.

Abstract: Invasive alien species pose major threats to the biodiversity conservation. Limited awareness has prevented thorough studies of domestic alien species. This study aims to highlight the importance of domestic alien species within invasion science by reviewing existing research in this area. We examined the characteristics of domestic alien species studies and compiled research conducted in Japan since 2002 from three databases, Google Scholar, CiNii Articles, and J-Stage. Our analysis, which included 82 articles published between 2010 and 2024, uncovered regional biases, taxonomic biases, and the importance of citizen science. Our findings indicate that studies on domestic alien species are not only crucial for fundamental biodiversity conservation research, but also have significant applications in environmental education. We also revealed that various English expressions are used to refer to domestic alien species in Japan. These insights are valuable for advancing research on domestic alien species.