Tokushima Prefecture's New Ordinance Sets Roadmap to Carbon-Free Society

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Tokushima Prefecture announced on November 10, 2016, that it has adopted an ordinance to promote climate measures that will free the prefecture from its reliance on carbon. The ordinance rests on two pillars: mitigation measures designed to curb greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and adaptation measures to buffer the impacts of climate change. The ordinance will make the most of local resources as it accelerates efforts toward a carbon-free society.

Mitigation measures outlined in the ordinance call for collective efforts by prefectural residents toward tackling climate change and building a smart economy that closes the loop on natural resources by the year 2060. It seeks to reduce GHG emissions 40.0% by fiscal 2030 from the 2013 level, which is more aggressive than the national target of 26%. To ensure steady progress, it has also set a 20.1% reduction target (compared to the fiscal 2013 level) for energy consumption, which is not influenced by power source-specific emission factors, to be achieved by FY2030.

The adaptation measures, meanwhile, are aimed at minimizing risks and damages caused by climate change and making the prefecture stronger and more resilient so it can recover more quickly from any impacts. Action plans have been drawn up in six areas: conservation of prefectural land, natural ecosystems, water environment and resources, health, industry and economy, and agriculture and fishing (food). Adaptation goals will be shared and pursued across these six areas with the help of a head office for environmental measures promotion. A climate change working group will conduct evaluations to ensure robust implementation of the action plans.