39-Environmental Destruction-Summary-October 1997

39-Environmental Destruction-Summary-October 1997

1. Half of Domestic Mammal Species at Risk of Extinction
According to the Japanese Mammal Society, approximately 80 out of 174 mammal species in Japan and surrounding waters are at risk of extinction. The extinct species include the Japanese wolf and five others, while endangered species include the Iriomote cat and Amami rabbit, among 22 others. Additionally, among the 41 cetacean species, the long-finned pilot whale is extinct, and 23 species, including the blue whale, are on the brink of extinction.

2. Disappearance of the World's Natural Forests
According to a report by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), approximately 62% of the world's natural forests have disappeared compared to 8,000 years ago, during the birth of civilization. The current natural forest area is 3.014 billion hectares, with 88% of the Asia-Pacific region's forests already gone. If deforestation continues at this rate, countries like Malaysia and Thailand could lose all their natural forests within 50 years.

3. El Niño Phenomenon and Abnormal Weather
Data from August 1997 shows that the average sea surface temperature in the equatorial Pacific off the coast of Peru was 3.1 degrees Celsius higher than usual, predicted to be on par with the 1982-83 El Niño phenomenon. This has led to abnormal weather in China and around Indonesia, with global agricultural markets being negatively affected.

4. Worsening Air Pollution in Japan
According to the Environmental Agency's NOx measurement results, 132 out of 373 measurement stations along major roads across the country (35.4%) exceeded environmental standards. In residential and office districts, 53 out of 1461 general measurement stations (3.6%) also failed to meet the standards, indicating worsening air pollution nationwide.

5. Air Pollution and Acid Rain in China
In China, rapid economic growth has led to an increase in energy consumption, with air pollution from coal use becoming a serious issue. SOx and particulate matter concentrations far exceed WHO standards, with health problems related to air pollution becoming widespread in urban areas. Acid rain affects 29% of the country, causing significant losses in agricultural and forestry production.

7. Shanghai's Environmental Measures
In Shanghai, the rapid increase in automobiles has caused serious air pollution issues, prompting the city to strengthen regulations on factory emissions. The focus is on reducing SOx emissions, with the introduction of low-sulfur coal and flue gas desulfurization equipment. The city is also advancing the establishment of environmental business companies within state-owned enterprises, aiming to develop the environmental protection industry.

8. Groundwater Pollution Issues in Japan
In Zama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, an ordinance to protect groundwater is under discussion, but identifying the sources of pollution and regional cooperation remain challenges. Industrial activities are particularly concerning, with increased collaboration and stronger regulations among municipalities being necessary, though difficult to implement.

10. Carbon Cycle Research in China
In China, research on the carbon cycle in the ocean has confirmed that approximately 3 billion tons of CO2 are absorbed annually by the ocean. This research is expected to contribute to the development of technology for combating global warming, but also highlights the need for marine environmental protection.