Hello everyone!

I've always very much enjoyed reading and contributing to this list. There are lots of varied opinions, and a huge amount of expertise in so many areas. To that end, I'd like to ask a question for anyone with expertise to contribute, from technology, through natural sciences, to social sciences and politics and diplomacy, and the arts and humanities.

What do you think Japan will do to achieve decarbonisation?
What would you advise Japan to do to achieve decarbonisation?
What are the obstacles to achieving decarbonisation?
Do you think Japan will actually achieve decarbonisation?

When I say 'Japan', I mean the Japanese people, communities, organisations, and their government (local, prefectural and national). I'm also thinking near and long term.

I'm thinking of the following topics:
- development and implementation of technologies such as geoengineering and carbon removal and sequestration.
- development and implementation of renewable energy technologies (electric power and transportation - land, sea and air)
- land use (rewilding reforestation etc.)
- international relations, ODA, and environmental (carbon) diplomacy.
- lifestyle dematerialisation (culture)

A word about why I'm doing this. You probably already know this has been a long-standing interest of mine. I've been asked to write a series of articles on these and related subjects for various practitioners and want to find out more about what people are thinking. In addition, within the next two or three years I'd like to write a book. I think I have the theoretical basis of the book nearly there, and am now looking to develop the empirical substantiation. Any contributions come with profuse and sincere thanks. I hope also to stimulate more thought and discussion so that we can also move our own minds and lives forwards towards this momentous change.

My teaching is moving in this direction too. I recently convened and taught a 12 week module at Sheffield on Environment and Development of the Japanese Islands. I hope to be able to bolster that for future iterations, and to develop further teaching contributions and collaborations, particularly on the role of the Environmental Humanities and Social Sciences in providing a bridge between science and the public.

If you want to email privately then please do so to: p.matanle@sheffield.ac.uk

Thank you so much.
Peter


Dr Peter Matanle
Senior Lecturer in Japanese Studies,
School of East Asian Studies,
University of Sheffield, UK