- English
Japan and Russia share interests in energy and climate, but currently cooperation between these neighboring countries is small. The Russian Far East seems like a logical ground for cooperation due to its proximity to Japan; however, it is difficult to establish whether this part of Russia could have a special role in Japanese plans. The lack of Russian preparedness to implement the Kyoto mechanisms is currently the main reason why Japan has developed no Kyoto-related cooperation with the country. The lack of reliable greenhouse gas inventories and lack of institutional organization are especially problematic. Even so, Japanese domestic policies also play a role in the lack of cooperation. Japanese feasibility studies in Russia did not lead to implemented projects, and the program has been frozen since 2000. However, large infrastructure projects in the Russian energy sector have gained significant Japanese interest and financing. Existing industrial and energy-sector cooperation could facilitate projects under the Kyoto Protocol. Potential joint implementation (JI) cooperation areas include gas, power, and steel sectors; energy efficiency improvements; and non-carbon-dioxide projects. Russian JI pilot-phase experiences were discouraging, but many Russian project hosts have since become more active and better prepared. Bidding systems could contribute to the success of selecting appropriate Russian project hosts. Emissions trading between Japan and Russia seems unlikely to happen in the absence of a "greening" arrangement, which could also support Russian compliance. However, such a bilateral arrangement would require mutual trust.
Remarks:
http://pub.iges.or.jp/modules/envirolib/view.php?docid=446
Full text is available on EBSCOhost database: http://www.ebscohost.com/
- English
