Abstract
Introduction
It is said that the 21st century is an environmental century, and industry has
already entered the development stage for environmental business. Compared
with other advanced countries, the EU in particular is committed to the idea
that “anti-warming measures are a business chance.” For example, during the
period from 2006-2010, employment will increase by 49% in the solar energy
sector in Germany, and a 74% increase is expected in the geothermal energy
sector. The U.K., too, has expressed its commitment to increasing the
reduction target of its greenhouse gas emissions.
The U.S.A. pledges comprehensive alternative energy development that
President-elect Barack Obama has indicated will include CO2 reductions and an
anticipated annual expenditure of 150 billion dollars over the next 10 years.
Democratic Party members of the lower House of Representatives have already
announced ambitious “greenhouse gas reduction legislation.” In addition, CO2
trading has begun, with ten states in the U.S. Northeast, including New York,
taking steps to strengthen warming measures ahead of the federal government.
In Japan, a drastic plan from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry will
lead to further energy savings and reduction of CO2, since the Industrial
Revitalization Law has added a tax incentive plan. Furthermore, details of the
CO2 trading scheme are being decided and recruitment of companies to
participate in the trading has begun.
Among the advanced countries, where each country activates its own green
policy, a challenge is emerging and the EU is ahead in establishing superior
measures for a low carbon society. Activation and reinforcement of the
environmental business in EU is a strategy aimed at global economic benefit.
This report will describe the following:
- The action of each country in the EU for CO2 discharge reduction
- The present conditions and the future of renewable energy
- Reduction targets and treatment measures at the national level
- The reduction activities of major companies, according to industry
- A prediction about the business opportunity in the environmental business
market
| 
View Cart
