Japan's industrial sector can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 7 percent from the 1990 levels by 2010 through new technologies, according to an estimate by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry.
The projection, the first of its kind by MITI, is based on the assumption Japan would double nuclear energy production and take further steps to conserve energy. But MITI still claims that making such cuts in the household sector is unwarranted, and that a clear target for cutting Japan's overall carbon dioxide emissions, as advocated by the Environment Agency, is still difficult.
MITI's projection was submitted with various policy options Sept. 26 to a joint council of nine government advisory panels. The council, which advises the prime minister, is drawing up measures for cutting greenhouse gas emissions to fight global warming.