Japan should promote "green" taxes, a new global environment policy organization and other innovative policies in the runup to Earth Summit 2002 to be held in Johannesburg next fall, a leading think tank said Wednesday.

The Tokyo-based Japan Forum on International Relations outlined proposals on 16 themes. They exhort the nation to take the lead in international "environmental diplomacy" and to lead by example by shifting to an environmentally sustainable economy.

At home, the research institute recommends:

The introduction of a carbon tax to pare carbon emissions by reining in consumption of fossil fuels.

A "greening" of the national tax system.

Making conservation the linchpin of official development assistance to developing nations.

Replacing gross domestic product as the yardstick of progress with an indicator incorporating such factors as pollution.

The promotion of new renewable energy sources.

Strengthened partnerships with nongovernmental organizations.

Japan can carve out a niche as a leader in environmental diplomacy through these actions, according to University of Tokyo Professor Ryoichi Yamamoto, who headed the task force that compiled the document.

Internationally, the think tank proposes that Tokyo lobby for the creation of an overarching environmental organization -- dubbed the World Environment and Development Organization -- and a Human and Environmental Security Council. These would facilitate activities among various environmental organizations around the world and promote global environmental security.

Furthermore, establishing a database with information on environment management, the recently implemented Green Purchasing Law and addressing environmental technology issues could aid in disseminating information throughout Asia and the world, it says.

The recommendations were delivered to Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on Wednesday, and an English version will be sent to the foreign ministers of major industrialized countries and other powerful decision makers around the world, JFIR officials said.

They added that the most controversial topics addressed by the JFIR's Policy Council were the role of nuclear power, Japan's stance on the Kyoto Protocol on climate change, and how the nation should heighten food security to minimize wasteful imports without embroiling itself in a trade dispute.

The research institute said nuclear power is needed in the short term, while urging the government to quickly determine its role as a future power source.

While not touching on import restrictions, The policy prescriptions also call for the Japan's food self-sufficiency to be boosted by curbing waste, imports and consumption of resource-intensive foods like meat.

The document can be viewed at www.jfir.or.jp