Home > Policy > White Paper, Notice, Announcement > White Paper > Annual Report on the Promotion of Science and Technology 1998 > Part1 Chapter1 Section2

* There are numerous issues to which the entire global community must respond by coordinating knowledge and efforts in order to ensure the foundation of human existence into the 21st century. These issues include global environmental problems, energy and food issues as well as emerging & reemerging infectious diseases.

* Global warming is a serious problem that could be called a threat to human existence. The entire nation must strive to implement the agreement signed at the Kyoto Conference to Prevent Global Warming in a coordinated, well-planned manner. Other important issues include the problem of ozone layer depletion, prevention of deforestation, and acid rain policies.

* The issue of worldwide energy supply and demand may become increasingly urgent in the future. A long-term, global approach to energy issues is needed. In addition, there is concern that world food supply may become unstable over the mid to long-term. International efforts aimed at increasing productivity per unit of land are necessary.

* When considering issues such as the global environment and energy, the need for a long-term perspective with the goal of creating a society in which resources are recycled and reused becomes clear.

* The risk of the rapid spread of various diseases is increasing. Consequently, policies dealing with infectious diseases such as AIDS need to be global in scope. In addition, policies are also necessary with regard to infectious diseases such as tuberculosis which are once again on the increase.

* There are indications that Endocrine-disrupting chemicals can contribute to reproductive problems. Stronger policies with regard to this problem are needed.