106: mirror, mirror...

... on the wall, who is the greenest of them all? It was interesting to see today that the geopolitical contest for environmental credentials seems to be underway, with Japanese Prime Minister Fukuda planning to set out his stall in Davos tomorrow (Saturday), hot on the heels of the EU's new climate change proposals (see post 105 from yesterday). Today's linked article from Yomiuri confirms that Japan is proposing a 30% improvement in global energy efficiency by 2020 and is offering to transfer Japanese technologies to other countries to help this happen. Consistent with announcements post-Bali (see post from Day Eighty) Fukuda is also attempting to drum up support for a new $10 billion fund to support poorer nations in coping with climate change impacts. As G8 chair this year, Japan's environmental leadership could be significant, with Fukuda's speech at Davos a clarion call to other G8 nations. Hopeful for sure. Plus Davos continues until Sunday, so there is still a chance for others to step up to the plate...

------------

Speaking of contests (!) 'Reasons to be Hopeful' would love your vote in the Blogger's Choice Awards 2008! If you haven't voted yet, you can use this link: http://www.bloggerschoiceawards.com/blogs/show/36968 - but please register before you cast your vote, or it doesn't count... :-( Thanks to all of you who have voted so far!