Statesman Journal

September 12, 1997

Sustainable use of resources and energy is important to the Japanese
delegation to the International Youth Environmental Summit.

Because Japan must import most of its energy and natural resource
needs, the country could face serious shortages if recycling and
conservation aren't stressed, the students warned.

Excess garbage and increasing consumption are causing problems.

And they've seen a growing number of environmental disasters.  A push
for imported oil led to serious economic and environmental damage in
January when a Russian tanker spilled crude oil into the Sea of
Japan.

Acid rain, smog and global warming also are critical issues to
Japan's survival because of its small size and island economy.

The students, from Daimon High School, cite many advances in
governmental controls and pollution cleanup in Japan but say more is
needed.

As an example of what these young people can do, the students point
to their efforts to grow kenaf, a plant that grows quickly, absorbs
loads of carbon dioxide and can be used as a raw material for paper
manufacturing.