The Global Warming Research Group (GWRG) of Peoples` Forum 2001 was established in May 1994, consists of meteorologists and other natural scientists, social scientists, citizens and students. The aim of the group is to make policy proposals and to develop public awareness on environmental issues. We also have some committees which hold discussions with corporations, politicians, and local governments. Internationally, we have attended INC9-11 (Intergovernmental Negotiation Committee), FCCC/COP1 (the first session of the Conference of the Parties to the Framework Convention on Climate Change). Domestically, it has formed a network with other Japanese NGOs working on climate change issues and has worked to maintain communication with the government officials. We plan to strengthen and extend the activities mentioned above in the future.
International cooperation is essential to protect the earth because those have currently expanded into a worldwide range and are no more limited by domestic borders. However, as intergovernmental negotiations worry about hurdles of national benefits, the role of NGOs becomes more important in solving global environmental problems. In the light of the rapid economic growth in East Asia, there are compelling reasons to establish a number of institutions to tackle air pollution and climate change. Despite, it has been difficult to achieve because East Asia was one of the border areas of East-West confrontation during the cold war; economic gaps were too high; and backgrounds of natural, human and social circumstances were greatly varied. There is a need for a joint monitoring system in East Asia, which is virtually an unexplored zone in terms of environmental research.
In August 1995, in Seoul, AANEA was established by 14 East Asian NGOs from seven regions: China, Hong Kong, Japan, Mongolia, Russia (Far East), Korea, Taiwan. The aim of AANEA is to prevent the transboundary air pollution issues, to strengthen the NGOs` capacity of information exchange and to propose policy options.
Supraregional actions, such as exchanging information and experts, and collaborative research, will not only serve national interests, but also leads us to a trustworthy relationship, thus contribute to easing tension in the region as a whole. East Asian environmental NGOs can work together to form international cooperations through AANEA. We hope to develop the capacity of this network to the level that it can play an important role in the negotiations of the FCCC, specifically as CAN East Asia (Climate Action Network) in the near future.
Especially, it is anticipated that COP3, which is expected to adopt Protocol (Tokyo or Kyoto?), will be held in Japan in 1997. Japanese NGOs` role should become more significant both from domestic and international aspects, although they are confronted with many obstacles to overcome such as the insufficiency of funds, man power and research due to lack of domestic public support. Japanese environmental NGOs have to continue research, study and monitoring by themselves. We are preparing for the NGOs` Protocol for COP3 and we welcome to involve other international NGOs in the next proposal. We also have several plans to participate UN conferences such as CSD4 (Commission on Sustanable Development) and to host “Kikou-Forum” for COP3.