Policy Speech by Governor of Tokyo, Shintaro Ishihara at the Fourth Regular Session of the Metropolitan Assembly, 2002

1 Acceleration of Countermeasures for air pollution

*Just recognition of environmental problems

The human race has grown upon the development of civilization in human history. However, in the process of development and evolution, we have created strains and wastes way beyond the acceptable limit, causing various discrepancies and distortions manifested in today's society. Tokyo has become one of the most heavily concentrated cities in the world, meeting a number of desires while losing just as many elements in the process. One of the elements is the natural environment. Air pollution, in particular, will worsen to an almost irrecoverable level unless action is taken now.

The source of Tokyo's air pollution is automotive exhaust, which contains nitrogen dioxide, benzene and particulate matters that can fill 120,000 of 500 milliliter PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) bottles each day. Particularly serious are the repercussions of the use of diesel-fueled vehicles. Over 20% of all lung cancer fatalities in Tokyo are attributed to particulate matters released from diesel cars, the second highest ratio among metropolitan prefectures.

We are shortening our life expectancies by the day in return for enjoying the convenience of a motorized society. The U.S. author and prominent scientist of the 20th century, Rachel Carson, repeatedly warned half a century ago that human destruction of the environment would ultimately destroy ourselves. The warning of this great prophet now confronts us as a reality, with Tokyo facing a particularly serious crisis. It is high time we recognized that environmental problems are not a trade-off with the economy but with our very lives.

*Response to the air pollution litigation

On October 29, the district court handed down its first ruling on the air pollution litigation. We wish to acknowledge and offer our sincere apologies for our insufficient administrative responses to air pollution, which has undermined the lives and health of the plaintiffs and many other Tokyo residents. This stems from the lack of action on the part of the central government refusing to recognize the state of the environment fairly and squarely. Although this is where the chief cause of the problem lies, the latest ruling has failed to point out the central government's responsibility to the regulation of automotive exhaust. The judgment turns a blind eye to the most important issue, and therefore should not be accepted by any means.

The issue of air pollution, whereby everyone is simultaneously victim and perpetrator, now exceeds judicial boundaries, and has reached the point of having to be handled as an issue for the entire society. Protracting the legal battle would not resolve air pollution. Rather, it would only put off much needed help to people suffering pollution-related health problems.

What we need now is to directly confront the central government to transform national policies, rather than extending legal arguments with the plaintiffs in court. Therefore, although unhappy about the ruling, the metropolitan government has decided not to appeal, giving priority to fundamental solution instead.

*Tokyo's approach to countering air pollution

Hereafter, we will take numerous and multi-faceted countermeasures to resolve the issue of air pollution at the earliest possible stage.

The biggest task is to move the central government. With no historical perspectives and an over-emphasis on the protection of their own interests, central bureaucrats are certain to put up strong resistance. Yet, leaving the present situation un-addressed will be tantamount to abandoning the responsibility of protecting people's lives. In this phase requiring a political decision, we have directly lodged a request to the Prime Minister for tighter measures to be taken against air pollution.

Following the ruling, the state government has only just begun considering regulations on illegal light oil. Although it is a step in the right direction, progress remains torpid and far from satisfactory. Together with the members of this Assembly and the people of Tokyo, we will form public opinion bodies to seek responsible action from the central government.

The metropolitan government's own measures against air pollution will also be accelerated. The regulation on diesel vehicles, to be introduced in October next year, is the minimum action required to reduce air pollution, and must be complied with by all business operators. To ensure full compliance by financially strained small businesses, we will establish a new loan system and enhance assistance schemes to support the purchase of vehicles which meet the required standard or modification of existing vehicles.

For smooth implementation of the regulation, it is also necessary to step up the campaign to install Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF). By March next year, free DPF installation training will be offered at five technical colleges in Ota, etc. for vehicle mechanics working at 1,000 garages across Tokyo.

*Achieving smooth road traffic

Another of Tokyo's unique problems that must not be overlooked is the absolute shortage of roads in comparison to the level of social activities, thus worsening air pollution. In Tokyo, road development not only delivers direct economic benefits such as shorter traveling time, but also yields outstanding effects on such issues as reducing air pollution. The development of delayed circular routes will have high rippling effects on the entire Metropolitan region.

A recent survey found that many people living in the megalopolis region support the opening of the Gaikan ring road. On the 25th of this month, the Shuto Kosoku Chuo Kanjo Oji Route opened for traffic and is expected to alleviate traffic congestion on the northern side of ring routes in central Tokyo. Although it took 16 years to complete, the road is an indispensable traffic artery for Tokyo, worth every effort spent in the construction. We will continue to promote road development toward the goal of opening all three ring routes.

Concentrated efforts to alleviate congestion will be also made, such as cracking down on illegally parked cars at busy intersections, to ensure smooth traffic flow and the resultant reduction in air pollution.