Tokyo 2016 has received a further boost towards hosting the greenest Olympic and Paralympic Games in history, after the Tokyo Metropolitan Government adopted every environmental initiative put forward by planners from major cities around the world at one of the world’s premier climate change conferences hosted in Tokyo.
Japan's vibrant capital - known for its environmental commitments - welcomed leaders from the world's major cities for the C40 Conference on Climate Change, an international forum to discuss the measures needed to develop sustainable low-carbon cities.
The talks set out 13 areas of action that cities should take to address the risks of climate change. Each city agreed to begin implementing initiatives that focus on the 13 areas and will report on the status of those actions at a C40 "climate summit" in Seoul next year.
Ideas included expanding green space in metropolitan areas, monitoring genetically modified (GM) food products and the effects of global warming, as well as developing systems to allow maximum air flow and access to water. Representatives also explored solar power solutions and innovations such as water-retentive pavements to counter the heating effects of concrete.
Shintaro Ishihara, Governor of Tokyo and President of Tokyo 2016 said in a joint statement with C40 Chairman, David Miller:
"The international community must cooperate in making an abrupt shift in direction for drastic cuts in greenhouse gas emissions. A new global framework for the period from 2013 is now under discussion, but all nations of the world must reduce their emissions."
Governor Ishihara added:
"We brought experts who are directly facing this problem here so they can discuss specifically what should be done in order that the Tokyo summit results in more than just abstract ideas.. We need agreement from the world's major cities to enact concrete policies."
Dr Ichiro Kono, Chairman and CEO of TOKYO 2016, said:
“Tokyo is truly a pioneer in environmental policy making. As the issue of climate change continues to challenge the global community, our city has introduced some of the strictest regulations and most advanced green technology in the world. We present a united front and deep-rooted commitment to protecting the environment - through government initiatives, the Japanese sports movement, and the support of the Japanese people.
“Our opportunity to host the Games in 2016 coincides with Tokyo’s Big Change - the Ten Year Plan, a Tokyo Metropolitan Government project which will bring about a comprehensive urban and environmental transformation of Tokyo by the year 2016. Our Bid is committed to this shared vision and determined to learn from international best practices such as those explored at this convention.”
The C40 conference represents another stride towards the creation of a model of sustainable urbanisation which is currently underway as part of Tokyo’s Big Change – the Ten Year Plan. By 2016 the area will have gained 1,000 hectares of new greenery helping to create an unprecedented Olympic and Paralympic experience for athletes and spectators; uniting the Games and healthy living in a convenient urban setting.
With major cities thought to be responsible for a significant amount of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, a key element of the Tokyo 2016 vision is a 'Carbon minus' Olympic and Paralympic Games. This will ensure that Tokyo 2016 unites green with 2016 to create a lasting environmental legacy for generations of not only Japanese, but many around the world as Tokyo presents a model for other major urban centres.
The C40 Tokyo Conference on Climate Change took place in the heart of Japan’s vibrant capital city between 22 and 24 October.
