JRI signs “Memorandum of understanding on joint Japanese-Chinese research into global warming countermeasures” with Chinese National Center for Climate Change Strategy and International Cooperation

　The Japan Research Institute, Limited (JRI) on April 22, 2014 signed a “Memorandum of understanding on joint Japanese-Chinese research on global warming countermeasures” with China’s National Center for Climate Change Strategy and International Cooperation (NCSC) (*1).

1．Date of signature of memorandum of understanding
April 22, 2014

2．Purpose of memorandum of understanding
JRI and the NCSC, the Chinese organization responsible for conducting research on the international climate change regime and proposing strategy on global warming countermeasures, have signed the memorandum with a view to improving China’s global warming legislation and promoting and developing low carbon-related schemes. In addition to conducting joint research on global warming countermeasures in Japan and China, it is envisaged that JRI and the NCSC will disseminate information through seminars, etc, using the networks and expertise of both countries.

3. Global warming countermeasures in China and JRI’s involvement
China is now the world’s second biggest economy, its GDP having exceeded that of Japan in 2010. However, it faces many issues that require urgent action, including atmospheric pollution, global warming and rapidly growing consumption of natural resources. As its international presence grows, China is also facing increasing pressure from international society to make a contribution to global warming countermeasures, etc.

　In its 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015), China set a policy target of transforming its economic model, and began to explore ways of achieving sustainable development, taking account of environmental protection and resource saving. For instance, at the 15th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change(COP15), held in Copenhagen in December 2009, China undertook to reduce its CO2 emissions per unit of GDP by 40-50% as compared with 2005 levels, by 2020.

　Through its joint research with the NCSC, JRI will support China’s global warming countermeasures and energy-saving measures. JRI has an extensive track record of conducting surveys and research, making policy proposals and launching new projects in fields including the environment, energy, global warming countermeasures and green finance. JRI will make full use of Japan’s accumulated experience and knowledge in proactively offering advice and information to the Chinese government on its policymaking.

　4. Content of the joint research
JRI and the NCSC will jointly examine policies and systems based on their research on global warming policy in Japan and China. The major areas to be considered are as follows.
(1) Assessment of the social and economic impact of reducing energy consumption and total volume control
(2) Research on climate change policy frameworks in Japan and China
(3) Comparative studies and policy analysis of change in the structure of energy consumption and structure of industry in Japan and China

(*1): National Center for Climate Change Strategy and International Cooperation (NCSC) The NCSC is a state-level strategic research organization responsible for research on response to climate change and contact point for international exchange. It reports directly to China’s National Development and Reform Commission and was established in June 2012. The NCSC’s activities center on the formulation of strategic plans relating to climate change, and research on international policy. It also promotes CDM projects and manages CO2 emissions trading and information relating to climate change on behalf of the National Development and Reform Commission.

NCSC website：http://www.ncsc.org.cn/