Asia-Pacific Week 2006 Japanese Studies Graduate Summer School ABSTRACT

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"This is the most serious problem we face today, more serious than the threat of terrorism" so said Sir David King, Chief Scientist to the British Prime Minister in reference to world environmental concerns brought about by climate change.

I present firstly and overview of what the global environmental problems are and how countries, governments, and communities have responded to major challenge. I also set out to show that the environmental problems are fundamentally ethical issues. I them explore Japan's policies. The country has participated in associated international meetings over the last decade. However many of its activities have been called into question. Moreover, Japan's environmental policies and practices are called into question when examined from an ethical aspect.

Australian National University CRICOS Provider Number: 00120C - ABN: 522 34063906