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1. Domestic and overseas movements related to problems of the global environment
In May 1993, the United Nations concluded a convention on weather fluctuations,
and work to provide action programs by the countries concerned in accordance
with resolution "Agenda 21," adopted at the Summit Conference on Global Problems,
is progressing toward a planned announcement in 1993.
With regard to problems of marine pollution, a resolution to revise treatment
of "MAR-POL 73/78" was concluded at the International Maritime Organization
(IMO) which provides advice to strengthen standards for oil emissions and to
institute mandatory use of double-hull construction for oil tankers. Accordingly,
measures to restrain exhaust gas emissions and to improve navigational safety
are also under consideration. In addition, revised protocol was adopted on two
international conventions on oil pollution (92nd protocol).
Regarding depletion of the ozone layer, a resolution to revise protocol
was adopted at a conference of member countries that was held in Montreal in
November 1992 with the goal of strengthening relevant regulation.
2. Response of transportation to requirements to solve global environmental
problems
To cope with problems such as global warming, depletion of the ozone layer,
and oceanic contamination, the Meteorological Agency and Maritime Safety Agency
are strengthening relevant observation systems.
In October 1991, an "Action Program to Arrest Global Warming" was instituted,
and various measures to restrain C02 emissions were implemented nationwide.
As for the transportation sector, work has continued on development of transport
systems with higher energy-efficiency and lower C02 emissions.
Regarding marine pollution, the Ministry instituted and revised relevant
laws, such as the Maritime Safety Law for enforcement of strengthened standards
for oil emissions by vessels, and made mandatory the use of double-hull construction
of oil tankers, in accordance with the revised MARPOL 73/78 adopted in March
1991. Efforts are also being made to prepare domestic systems to enable the
earliest ratification of OPRC treatment as adopted in November 1990.
In cooperation with developing countries regarding transport-related environmental
problems, the Ministry is working to prepare guidelines to establish technological
cooperation based on Japanese technology and accumulated experiences and to
construct basic transport facilities with attention to protection of the environment.
1. Measures against air and noise pollution
Restrictions limiting such types of pollution as automobile exhaust, automobile
noise, noise from Shinkansen and narrow-gauge trains, and aircraft noise will
be progressively strengthened.
In February 1993, a "Guideline to Attain Restraint of Nitrogen Oxide Emissions
from Automobiles in Specified Areas Relating to Transportation" was prepared
in accordance with the "Extraordinary Ordinance Regarding Reduction of Total
Volume of Nitrogen Oxide Gas Emission by Automobiles in Specific Areas" passed
in May 1992. Measures based on the guideline will be steadily implemented. Also,
new regulations in the automobile inspection system specifying types of automobiles
to be categorized as trucks or buses were implemented in December 1993.
Use of low-pollution types of automobiles, such as those using methanol,
hybrid energy systems, natural gas or electricity will be promoted.
Regarding the problem of maritime vessel exhaust, work is progressing at
IMO at present to prepare a new amendment to MARPOL 73/78, and the Ministry
will continue to participate in IMO meetings and will also conduct research
and development on technologies for reduction of exhaust gas emissions.
2. Countermeasures against marine pollution
Monitoring, control, prevention, and elimination of spilled oil were strengthened.
Measures were implemented in July 1993 to strengthen standards on oil emissions
by vessels and to make mandatory double-hull construction for oil tankers.
The Ministry is carrying out the action program of OSPAR provided for the
purpose of strengthening ASEAN countries' capabilities for prevention and elimination
of oil spills ahead of the original timetable and is planning to offer equipment
and materials in FY1993.
The Ministry tightened control during the 2-month period from March to April,
1993, over docking of foreign-registered vessels carrying dangerous articles.
It also set up the "Conference on Safety Measure for Oil Tanker Navigation"
and the "Joint Conference on Problems Related to Tanker Transportation," the
latter of which was cosponsored with Ministry of Internatioal Trade and Industry
to examine comprehensive safety measures and ways to ensure safe maritime transportation
of oil.
In addition, it is planning to advance studies to provide relevant domestic
ordinances and conclude protocols on oil contamination (92nd protocol) of two
international conventions on oil pollution.
3. Countermeasures against environmental contamination in ports, etc.
As part of the "Blue Sea Project" to implement a comprehensive program to
create the comfortable marine environment, sand-covering and bottom-soil are
to be increased to improve natural water purification and to restore living
things in the water. Also, the "Phoenix" program of construction of space for
final disposal of waste will be implemented.
4. Others
Companies related to transport are moving toward taking their own measures
to protect the environment, such as setting up internal systems within the company
for this purpose.
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