Where is the “energy-saving powerhouse Japan” that Al Gore says? Oct. 15 17:00

Typhoon No. 19 caused damage throughout Japan.
The full extent of the damage is still unknown.
This time, the Japan Meteorological Agency repeatedly transmitted the word “heavy rain like never before” and called for evacuation and vigilance.

Scientists have warned that these typhoons will increase in the future due to the effects of global warming.

The American vice president Al Gore (71) has appealed to the voice for over 30 years.
The movie “Inconvenient Truth” released in 2006 raised a warning about climate change, and in 2007, won the Nobel Peace Prize.

The former Vice President Gore came to Japan this month.

Why now to Japan?
We hit Gore who can be said to be the “original” of global warming countermeasures. (International Department reporter Shinko Sato)

"Japan's environmental policy has changed"

This is what Goa said at the beginning of the interview.

I came to Japan to speak in Tokyo. Its name is "Leader Training Course to tackle global warming countermeasures". More than 800 people from government officials to students participated.

In fact, this course has already been held in 13 countries around the world, including China and India, and more than 20,000 people have participated.

Japan led the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol in 1997 and has been working on environmental issues as an “energy-saving power” ahead of the rest of the world.

Considering that, could it have been held earlier in Japan?

When I asked that question, the answer returned was the first word.

Mr. Gore also worked hard as a vice president of the Clinton administration to adopt the Kyoto Protocol. At that time, Japan was demonstrating leadership in environmental issues, but Japan changed from that time.

What is ...?

Construction of successive coal-fired power plants

Mr. Gore points out the fact that Japan is still proceeding with the construction of a “coal-fired power plant” that emits a large amount of carbon dioxide, which is responsible for global warming.

“After the Fukushima accident, I couldn't understand why Japan went in the direction of adding a coal-fired power plant.”

Due to the accident at TEPCO and Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, the operation of the nuclear power station stopped in Japan. Throughout the country, awareness of “power saving” has increased.

At that time, I worked for the Fukushima Broadcasting Station, and I felt in my skin that there was a growing sense of crisis that “I can no longer rely on nuclear power for nuclear power”.

One month after the earthquake, when I went on a business trip to Tokyo, I realized that the electricity in the subway cars was dark and that I was actively working to save electricity even in “large areas of electricity consumption”.

After that, Japan was trying to make up for the power production that was dependent on the nuclear power plant as cheaply as possible. I arrived at thermal power generation.

According to the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, the domestic power mix in 2014 increased by 19% for natural gas-fired power generation and 3% for coal-fired power generation compared to 2010 before the earthquake.
Renewable energies such as wind power and solar power have also increased slightly, but overall, we are moving towards increasing the number of thermal power plants that burn fossil fuels.

In addition, Japan also supports the construction of coal-fired power plants in Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia and Vietnam.
In developing countries, many countries find cheaper thermal power generation more attractive than costly renewable energy.

“Japan should not use taxes to support the construction of coal-fired power plants in Southeast Asian countries.”

Gore repeatedly criticized Japan's environmental policy, both in lectures and in interviews.

“It is important for each person to turn off the electricity or carry a water bottle. But more importantly, change policies and laws. Stop Japan's policy to build a coal-fired power plant in the world. Should be "

Japan left behind in the world

Gore is not the only one who criticizes Japanese policy.

“Paris Agreement” adopted at COP21 held in France in 2015.

Since the Kyoto Protocol, which mandated developed countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, all countries, including developing countries, have worked together to reduce greenhouse gases in an international agreement on global warming countermeasures, which has been the first in 18 years. It became the first international framework. Global warming countermeasures have reached a historic turning point.

However, as the world moves toward a “decarbonized society” in this way, Japan continues to build coal-fired power plants as if going backwards and actively exports to developing countries. There is growing criticism from all over the world regarding Japan's attitude.

Japan once served as the presidency of COP3, which adopted the Kyoto Protocol, and based on the experience of overcoming the two oil crises, the role of top runners in the environmental field, including energy-saving technologies, electric vehicles, and the use of hydrogen energy Has been fulfilled.

That is what Gore admits.

However, one day I missed the flow of the world.

Expectations for Japanese technology and youth

Still, Gore says he has not abandoned hope for Japan.

There are two reasons for this.

One is Japanese technology.

“Japanese technology and know-how should be used to promote the transition to renewable energy.”

Goa, who worked hard to adopt the Kyoto Protocol in Japan over 20 years ago.
I felt that the words included “What ’s Japan !? What can I do now?”

With Japanese technology, I was able to convey that I wanted to become a leader in the environmental field again.

One more thing I'm looking forward to Japanese “young people”.
In an interview, Gore asked, “There is no Greta Toonberg in Japan?”

Greta is a 16 year old girl from Sweden. Many young people from all over the world sympathize with the activities that continue to appeal for global warming measures by taking a school holiday every Friday. In fact, about 4 million people participated in the demonstrations held in each country before the United Nations General Assembly in September.

In Japan, a march was held in Tokyo, but 2800 people gathered.

Compared to 250,000 people in New York, it is an overwhelmingly small number. Mr. Gore has expressed his understanding of the situation as follows.

“Since the Japanese respect the community, it may be difficult to make a demonstration. However, Japanese scientists and young people have the same strong desire to appeal the climate crisis. I hope I can find you. ''

It is because of the "future" that we continue our activities even if we receive criticism

However, Greta is now exposed to criticisms such as “It is being manipulated by adults” and “Environmental problems cannot be appealed unless you go to school and learn the economy”.

Gore previously released the movie “Inconvenient Truth” in 2006 and was criticized for “political propaganda” and “global warming is a lie”.
Despite these criticisms, he asked why he would continue his activities.

“There has always been a power to criticize people who appeal for climate change. The most typical are those who are politically connected to the coal industry and are afraid of losing their vested interests.”
"I have 4 children and 7 grandchildren. They care about the future generation. As long as they are human beings, they have an obligation to bring the future back to their hands by acting now. "

Adults are responsible for future generations. Mr. Gore, who has been active at the forefront of the world as a vice president, has been continually communicating the strong sense of responsibility.

“The highest temperature in the history of observation” “The strongest typhoon” “Heavy rain once every decades”. Today, such abnormal weather rushes every year. How do you accept Gore's message?

"Action now!"

International Department Reporter Shinko Sato Joined Fukushima Bureau in 2011 and worked in the Social Department after being in charge of International Department America and Europe since 2015