The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will present Yasuko Matsumoto, an assistant professor at the Science University of Tokyo's Suwa College, with an award for her role in protecting the Earth's ozone layer.
Matsumoto, who was in charge of air pollution issues for Greenpeace InternationalMatsumotofrom 1990 to 1998, is receiving the award for her contribution toward raising public awareness of the issue and promoting the diffusion of advanced technology utilizing substances not destructive of the ozone layer.
"There are a lot of things to be done to protect the ozone layer. I will continue to stress the importance of this issue because interest in the matter among citizens, governments and enterprises has been declining recently," Matsumoto said.
The EPA established the Stratospheric Ozone Protection Awards in 1990 to recognize exceptional leadership, personal dedication and technical achievements in eliminating ozone-depleting substances.
The awards are presented annually to individuals and organizations.
The Stratospheric Ozone Protection Awards have been presented to 412 individuals and organizations from 29 countries.
Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. are among the Japanese recipients.
This year's winners will be announced during the 2000 Earth Technologies Forum in Washington, which opens Oct. 30, and will be honored at a dinner on the evening of Oct. 31, the EPA said.