Global Environment Note #07
“Note on Global Environment from Hokkaido” is a special series that will send you a report of Environment of the world, Japan and Hokkaido NOW, and give you hints to begin Eco-friendly life Now, to reduce the GHG (Green House Gas) by 6%, in order to avoid the global warming.The key for the seventh series is “times 1.3”
In Hokkaido, the amount of CO2 emission per person is 1.3 times higher than the national average. Why does Hokkaido, being blessed with rich nature including forest and ocean, emit larger amount of greenhouse gases? The reason seems to be related to the way we spend winter. Spring is close, but it is still cold here in Hokkaido. Using this Global Environment Note as a guide, let us think of the relationship between Hokkaido and the Earth.Global warming also affects Hokkaido!?
Hokkaido is getting warmer and warmer
Last year in Hokkaido, a number of hot days increased more than an average year. Sapporo recorded the maximum air temperature of 31.1 ℃ on September 21st, renewing “ the latest summer day record in Hokkaido” since 86 years ago. In addition, the number of drift ice observed in the Sea of Okhotsk is slowly decreasing over the last 30 years. Based on data, the climate in Hokkaido seems to be getting warmer slowly but steadily.What are the relations between global warming and Hokkaido?
Hokkaido has the advantage of fertile land and cool summer for growing agricultural products. During winter, snow offers an attractive tourism resource. Considering the risk of loosing these advantages, global warming is a very serious issue for us. However, a person in Hokkaido emits 3.62 tons of CO2 per year, which is about 1.3 times more than the national average of 2.69 tons. It means that people in Hokkaido is more responsible in expediting global warming than people in other prefectures.What makes it 1.3 times higher?
The main cause of CO2 emission is “heating in winter”
Heating devices such as stoves are the main reason for Hokkaido to have larger amount of CO2 emission than other places in Japan. Having long and harsh winter, the period requiring heating lasts long in Hokkaido compared to other prefectures. The energy consumption such as kerosene, gas, and electricity is also higher in Hokkaido. Many households also tend to set excessively high heating temperature, dressing lightly inside the room even during winter.High rate of automobile users also puts a negative impact.
Automobiles are another reason for “1.3 times” higher amount of CO2 emission. As Hokkaido has the largest land area among Japanese prefectures, a high percentage of people uses automobile for transportation. Consequently, large amounts of gasoline and light oil are being consumed. In addition, public transportation systems are not well developed, except for the large cities, and also there are high rates of the “second car” owners having more than two cars. Combination of these factors contributes to the high amount of CO2 emission in Hokkaido.
How can we reduce the CO2 emission?
Set the heating temperature 1 ℃ below the usual.
The best way to reduce the CO2 emission is to decrease the setting degree of heaters. Under the Hokkaido Warm Biz Project, the government is encouraging to set the room temperature in an office at 20 ℃, as well as advising each household to adjust the heating temperature 1 ℃ below the usual set degree. Although the cold weather still continues around March, let us put into practice “ − 1 ℃“ campaign, working together to prevent global warming.
Eco-friendly driving
There are two ways to prevent global warming caused by the use of automobiles. The first is to use the public transportation such as bus and subway. The second way is to practice an “Ecodrive”. If you stop a car for more than 10 minutes, turn off the engine and stop idling. Also, prevent the excess rotation of engine by gently stepping on the accelerator pedal. By these simple steps, we can greatly reduce the amount of CO2 emission.
How does global warming affect Hokkaido?
The impact of global warming is serious in Hokkaido
According to the IPCC fourth assessment report, the impact of temperature rise caused by global warming would intensify as the latitude of the area increases. Hokkaido, the northernmost prefecture in Japan, would therefore experience the highest rate of temperature rise. It is also predicted that some parts in Hokkaido would face 4 ℃ increase in mean air temperature within this century.
How to protect the beautiful nature in Hokkaido
Hokkaido is blessed with rich and superior natural environment. If global warming proceeds, its beauty may be lost forever. Prevention of global warming is therefore becoming increasingly important for us living in this beautiful north island. In order to reduce the CO2 emission in Hokkaido, and to improve the current figure of “1.3 times the national average”, let us reconsider our everyday life and act together to bring better future!