Japan Tackles Global Warming, Skeptics In Tow : NPR

Japan Tackles Global Warming, Skeptics In Tow : NPR

...But experts say many of the same Japanese companies that make these products oppose government measures to limit emissions, such as a carbon trading system.

"Japanese company culture is typically more focused on the supply side, or technology gimmicks, or technology solutions," says Iida Tetsunari, director of the Tokyo-based Institute for Sustainable Energy Policies. "The majority is very much against introducing so called cap-and-trade or carbon tax."

Iida says the Japanese government is deeply divided on how to tackle global warming. He and others say Japan's claim to be a world leader in energy efficiency is deceptive.