Impacts: Climates Change the World

Emissions of methane gas, which has a strong effect on global warming, are at a peak. In Japan, where 40% of methane emissions come from rice farming, finding a solution is of great importance.

Global temperatures in 2024 exceeded the Paris Agreement target of 1.5℃ above the pre-industrial average. A recent Yokohama symposium and citizen initiatives suggest possible countermeasures.

As a constant supply of concrete is required for urbanization around the world, Japanese companies have developed concrete that emits no CO2 during production, and a CO2-absorbing material coating.

Global warming is impacting ecosystems and bird habitats in the world's mountainous regions. In the Japanese Alps, various efforts are underway to protect the endangered Japanese rock ptarmigan.

The first of five episodes on EXPO 2025. Besides reducing CO2 emissions, a key factor in global warming, explore new ways to capture it from the atmosphere, in a cutting-edge Carbon Recycling Factory.

Architecture emits large amounts of CO2 globally through construction, transport and demolition. At the Netherlands and Swiss pavilions, new ideas and technology merge to control CO2 emissions.

With the theme of "revitalizing our oceans," BLUE OCEAN DOME aims to inspire action by visualizing the water cycle, marine biodiversity, and the seriousness of plastic pollution.

To help reduce the "ghost" marine debris that does not decompose, those involved in Japanese fisheries have launched a project to collect and recycle used fishing nets.

The low-elevation South Pacific islands are seriously threatened by sea level rise due to global warming. Attempts are underway to raise them with Nature-based solutions, using star sand and coral.

Peatlands cover only 3% of the Earth's land surface, yet they store carbon more effectively than forests. In Scotland, a global beverage company has launched a project to restore degraded peatlands.

Japanese chum salmon migrate over 20,000 kilometers in their return journey across the North Pacific. Global warming has caused an alarming decline in returning salmon and requires urgent action.

Climate change has begun to impact the food supply. In Japan, hotter summers and stronger typhoons are affecting rice. Researchers are now working to develop rice that can withstand such challenges.