PART II Recent Trends and Developments in Government Policies in Education, Science and Culture
Chapter 6. Promoting Scientific Research
Section 6. Prioritized Promotion of Basic Research
8. Preserving Our Precious Planet: Global Environmental Science
The discovery of solutions to global environmental problems, such as global warming, the deterioration of the ozone layer, and the decline in biodiversity, requires scientific research in a wide range of fields, including the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The Ministry of Education, Science and Culture is developing and expanding research systems in universities and other institutions. In fiscal 1994, for example, the Ministry established the Research Center for Environmental Preservation at Osaka University. The Ministry is also promoting comprehensive research relating to global environmental problems through the provision of grants-in-aid for scientific research.
In addition, the Ministry is promoting joint international research, including the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) program, the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP), and Antarctic research programs. Japan is also cooperating actively in the activities of international organizations, such as projects of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) and the Man and the Biosphere Program (MAB) and other United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) science programs, as well as United Nations University projects relating to global environmental problems.
