Understanding the Unsustainable Status Quo for the Future
The term 'sustainability' has become widespread, and the SDGs are discussed in many fields. However, the reality that the current situation is unsustainable is not sufficiently recognized. For example, considering the global population, unsustainable agriculture could lead to the starvation of hundreds of millions of people, yet few in affluent Japan believe that starvation could occur here. However, the inability to use fossil fuels means that there is a possibility of starvation occurring until the population level returns to that of the end of the Edo period, when chemical fertilizers did not exist.
As an expert in environmental studies and resource economics, I have been engaged in the introduction of renewable energy and agroforestry projects in African countries for many years. Through this experience, I have often had the opportunity to exchange opinions with executives of Japanese general trading companies and energy-related firms.
Many of them joined what were the key industries at the time about 30 years ago, rather than environmental businesses, and they significantly lack an understanding of global environmental issues. As a result, the information they disseminate is often completely off the mark. Nevertheless, many people tend to accept that information uncritically.
The Japanese economy has long relied on a growth model predicated on the mass consumption of resources. As policies that promote the mass consumption of fossil fuels and mass production continue, global environmental problems are becoming increasingly severe.
To realize a sustainable future, it is essential to first accurately understand these issues and seek solutions that are appropriate for the current situation. Specifically, the introduction of renewable energy, the circular use of resources, and the revitalization of local communities are required. However, since there is limited suitable land in Japan for introducing renewable energy, as a resource-importing country, it is necessary to reduce the environmental burden throughout the entire supply chain from resource-producing countries.
Solving this problem requires the active involvement of not only companies but also the government, academic institutions, and general consumers. It is important for each of us to deepen our understanding of sustainability and acquire the knowledge to avoid overlooking misguided initiatives that increase the environmental burden.
At the time of the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol in 1997, this basic knowledge should have been taken seriously by the Japanese public. However, as a result of a quarter-century of misguided environmental policies, many Japanese citizens still lack this basic knowledge. Becoming aware of this ignorance and improving it is the first step toward a sustainable future.
Rintaro Takechi
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