Stephen Hesse - The Japan Times

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Stephen Hesse

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Stephen Hesse

Stephen Hesse is an educator and writer living in Tokyo. He graduated from Vermont Law School, where he received a JD and an LLM, and is now a professor in the Law Faculty of Chuo University, Tokyo, as well as Associate Director of the Chuo International Center.

For Stephen Hesse's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:

ENVIRONMENT / OUR PLANET EARTH

Jun 25, 2008

All hail capitalism, mendacious destroyer of life on Earth

If you're hoping that the representatives of the world's richest nations meeting in Hokkaido for the G8 Summit next month will take action on climate change, you're in for a disappointment.

ENVIRONMENT / OUR PLANET EARTH

May 28, 2008

Burying our heads in the sand

We've all heard the warning, "If it looks too good to be true, it probably is."

ENVIRONMENT / OUR PLANET EARTH

Apr 23, 2008

Is growth driving us to oblivion?

Last month, when I wrote a column headlined "Apocalypse when? Can three experts all be wrong on looming disaster?," I expected that readers would harangue me for taking up ranks with the pessimists. After all, for every doomster, there seems to be a Pangloss reassuring us that all will be well.

ENVIRONMENT / OUR PLANET EARTH

Mar 26, 2008

Can three experts all be wrong on looming disaster?

If you ask British scientist James Lovelock about the future of humanity, be prepared for a shock.

Japan Times

ENVIRONMENT / OUR PLANET EARTH

Feb 27, 2008

Even oceans can only take so much

N ow that the wider world has finally recognized the extent to which human activities are altering the Earth's climate, maybe we can also begin to grasp the fact that our oceans, too, are in dire straits.

ENVIRONMENT / OUR PLANET EARTH

Jan 23, 2008

Cars and fuel set to get more political

In 2007, climate change finally became a reality in the wider public's consciousness.

Japan Times

ENVIRONMENT / OUR PLANET EARTH

Dec 26, 2007

Wrapping up the year with dollops of whale and tuna

With Christmas behind us and New Year's less than a week away, this month's column combines a bit of yearend desk clearing with some suggestions for belated stocking stuffers.

Japan Times

ENVIRONMENT / OUR PLANET EARTH

Oct 24, 2007

'Gore's Nobel Prize is wonderful'

As soon as the rumors began that former U.S. Vice President Al Gore and the U.N. Intergovern- mental Panel on Climate Change were being considered for a Nobel Peace Prize it was easy to predict at least one thing: Win or not, the commentators, pundits and bloggers were going to have a field day.

Japan Times

ENVIRONMENT / OUR PLANET EARTH

Sep 26, 2007

Turning waste into rich resources

Visit Calcutta, even briefly, and you soon learn the rules of the road — or rather that there aren't many, if any. You will also meet some of the planet's most resourceful people, from street children to scientists who are masters of making very little go a long way.

ENVIRONMENT / OUR PLANET EARTH

Aug 22, 2007

Can others save Earth despite Big Oil's blinkers?

How can an economic superpower founded on progress and innovation be so averse to change that would cut the greenhouse-gas emissions that are spurring global warming and climate change?

ENVIRONMENT / OUR PLANET EARTH

Jul 25, 2007

Our world is being driven by denial

As an environmental columnist, one question that repeatedly comes to mind is, "How much denial is humanly possible?"

Japan Times

ENVIRONMENT

Jul 22, 2007

Japan Times

ENVIRONMENT / OUR PLANET EARTH

Jun 27, 2007

Is this a poisons coverup?

Mariners say the oceans reveal their secrets only grudgingly. Shelly Parulis would say the same of the U.S. Navy.

ENVIRONMENT / OUR PLANET EARTH

May 23, 2007

Can 'organic' feed us all?

Having experienced firsthand the waste, power abuse and nepotism that malign the United Nations from within, I am not usually a fan of its conferences.

ENVIRONMENT / OUR PLANET EARTH

Apr 25, 2007

Ponder awhile the wisdom of Bhutan

If nations had laws requiring that we all went about our business wisely and with respect for the planet, those laws would prioritize precaution and force polluters to clean up their mess.

ENVIRONMENT / OUR PLANET EARTH

Mar 28, 2007

Hail to the '3-alarm' Chief

It must be tough being Al Gore.

ENVIRONMENT / OUR PLANET EARTH

Feb 28, 2007

Stepping up the heat on energy use

After years of frustration (and quite a bit of ranting to anyone who would listen), it is reassuring to see that the issue of climate change is at last making regular headlines in the United States.

Japan Times

ENVIRONMENT / OUR PLANET EARTH

Jan 24, 2007

One dive at a time

They say time and tide wait for no man, and it's safe to say that few people understand this truism as well as diver and explorer Dr. Greg Stone, one of 12 individuals recently named a National Geographic Adventure Hero of 2006.

ENVIRONMENT / OUR PLANET EARTH

Dec 27, 2006

Our family festivities run foul of hard facts

Christmas has become a modest affair in our family. Our son gets a few presents and the adults get a day of peace and quiet.

Japan Times

LIFE

Nov 26, 2006

The Trip of a Lifetime

How much trouble can two errant JT columnists, seven female undergraduates from a Tokyo university, an ex-bush fighter and motley others get into during 10 days exploring the wilds of Namibia? Join Stephen Hesse, Hugh Paxton and their intrepid entourage for a lively, humorous and often touching adventure in southern Africa.

From easily navigable train stations to the helpfulness of its municipal staff, Tokyo has earned high praise for its commitment to accessibility for disabled travelers.

[Rebroadcast] Japan is doing better on accessibility than you may think

When trying to trace your lineage in Japan, the "koseki" is the most important form of document you'll encounter.

Climbing the branches of a Japanese family tree

By Alex K.T. Martin

SUSTAINABLE JAPAN

Live like a lord or lady for a night at Ozu Castle

Live like a lord or lady for a night at Ozu Castle

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