Current Situation of Public Works and Environmental Destruction in the 2020s

Current Situation of Public Works and Environmental Destruction in the 2020s

Even in the 2020s, public works and environmental issues in Japan remain significant challenges. As balancing environmental conservation with public infrastructure becomes increasingly important, global issues such as climate change and biodiversity loss are also affecting local environmental concerns within Japan.

River Development and Ecosystem Impact
River development, as exemplified by the Nagara River Estuary Dam, continues to be a subject of debate over its environmental impact. In particular, the Nagara River in Gifu Prefecture has seen a significant decline in fish populations, including Ayu and salmon, due to dam construction and weir installation hindering fish migration. By the 2020s, Ayu catches have dropped to less than 50% of previous levels, impacting local fisheries. Additionally, the eutrophication caused by these changes has led to algal blooms, further degrading water quality.

Dam Construction and Water Resource Management
In many regions of Japan, dam construction continues as part of water resource management, but the aging of these dams has become a concern in the 2020s. In Kyushu, the annual repair costs for dams are expected to exceed 300 billion yen, prompting a search for new methods of water resource management that consider environmental preservation. For example, the reconstruction plan for the Kawabegawa Dam in Kumamoto Prefecture includes a large-scale environmental assessment to minimize the impact on the natural environment while securing agricultural water.

Impact of the Isahaya Bay Reclamation Project
The Isahaya Bay Reclamation Project has also come back into focus in the 2020s. In Nagasaki Prefecture's Ariake Sea, the loss of tidal flats due to reclamation remains a problem, and reports of negative effects on fisheries continue. In 2021, fishery resources declined by another 40%, and local fishermen are calling attention to the environmental damage caused by the reclamation. Fishermen are pushing for partial reversal of the Isahaya Bay reclamation to restore tidal flats, but there are ongoing disputes between the national government and local authorities.

Deforestation and Renewable Energy
In addition to dam construction, deforestation has become a new issue in the 2020s. Particularly, the rise of biomass energy as a renewable source has increased demand for timber and forest resources, leading to excessive deforestation in regions such as Hokkaido and Akita Prefecture. This has reduced the carbon dioxide absorption capacity of forests, and paradoxically, biomass energy, intended to mitigate climate change, is contributing to global warming.

Environmental Assessments and Corporate Initiatives
In the 2020s, Japanese corporations are also being held accountable for their environmental impact. Energy companies like TEPCO and Kansai Electric Power are required to conduct thorough environmental assessments under Japan's Environmental Impact Assessment Law during large-scale infrastructure projects such as dams and nuclear power plants. For instance, TEPCO's 2022 report outlined plans to enhance environmentally conscious efforts during infrastructure development for the reconstruction of Fukushima Prefecture.

Data and Statistics
Several data points highlight the state of environmental destruction in Japan in the 2020s. For example, Japan produces over 400 million tons of total waste annually, with about 80% being recycled. However, the remaining waste is processed in landfills or incineration facilities. In 2021, domestic deforestation reached about 250,000 hectares, representing a 10% increase compared to the previous year. These figures demonstrate that public works and environmental destruction continue to be pressing issues.

Role of Companies and Technology
Many Japanese companies are focusing on the development of environmental technologies, including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Hitachi Ltd., which are providing environmentally conscious infrastructure solutions. For example, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has developed next-generation dam operation systems that utilize carbon reduction technologies, optimizing water flow management while minimizing the impact on ecosystems. Hitachi Ltd. has introduced AI-powered water resource management systems that optimize dam discharge timing and water level management, reducing the strain on river ecosystems.

Shifting Toward Sustainable Development
In the 2020s, balancing public works with environmental protection remains a crucial challenge in achieving a sustainable society. Going forward, public works must increasingly incorporate environmental conservation, with long-term policies and technological innovations being key to achieving this balance.