Japan to promote use of trains, ships to cut CO2

Japan will promote the use of trains and ships, rather than trucks, as means of goods transport to reduce the nation’s carbon dioxide emissions further. In fiscal 2011, the transport ministry will start a subsidy program to cover half of the costs that firms need for the shift to trains or ships. About ¥100 million (US$1.21 million) has been earmarked for the subsidy program in the government’s budget proposal for the year starting in April. CO2 emissions from the transportation sector have decreased since 2001, mainly because fuel economy and load capacities for trucks have improved. Under its growth strategy released last year, the Japanese government called for increased use of transport systems with smaller environmental footprint, but trucks remain the major means of goods transport in Japan. (January 23, 2011)