Integrated resource management towards a sustainable Asia: policy and strategy evolution in Japan and China. (4th August 2009)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yabar, Helmut; Hara, Keishiro; Uwasu, Michinori; Yamaguchi, Yohei; Zhang, Haiyan; Morioka, Tohru
• Is Part Of: International journal of environmental technology and management. Volume 11:Number 4(2009)
• Page Start: 239
• Page End: 256
• Publication Date: 2009-08-04
• Subjects: circular economy -- environmental policy evolution -- environmental technology -- integrated resource management -- sustainability -- sustainable Asia -- Japan -- China -- sustainable development; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Green technology -- Periodicals; 333.705
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1466-2132

Abstract

One of the biggest challenges Asian nations face is how to increase their economic growth while minimising the impact on the environment and reducing their dependence on imported resources. Japan paid great attention to its condition as a resource-dependent country after the oil crisis in the mid 1970's and now has one of the most eco-efficient economies in the world. The rapid economic growth of China in the last two decades has also pushed the government to focus on improving efficiency as it is shown in its 11th five year plan. This article addresses the evolution of environmental policies in Japan and China and proposes viable measures towards a sustainable Asia. These measures take into account the experience of Japan in addressing its environmental issues and is based on the reduce, reuse, recycle (3R) initiative.