Initiatives

On February 4th 2022, the UK Parliament held an evidence session with the Environment and Climate Change Committee in which the Governor of Tokyo participated virtually. During the session, the Governor of Tokyo made a striking opening speech, then elaborated on her efforts to address climate change, starting with her experience as Minister of the Environment. During the deliberations, UK Parliament committee members asked questions regarding how governments can tackle environmental issues and climate change with behavior change. They inquired about Tokyo’s approach to behavior change and how the success of initiatives is measured, the role government’s play in enacting behavior change, and the key considerations in developing policy. In response to these questions, the Governor of Tokyo commented on the important role of local governments play in behavior change and expanded on the environmental initiatives and climate change measures that the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has introduced. One such measure is “Team Mottainai“, an initiative to promote changes in individual consumption habits, resulting in less food waste and higher energy efficiency.

A recording of the event is available on the UK Parliament website. (The Governor utilized a consecutive interpreter for the questions and answers.)