Japan differs from other countries in that it is located on numerous islands in a seismic zone. However, it is a very technically advanced state with the most modern technology in the world.
Features of the nature of Japan
The main distinguishing feature of this country is high seismic activity. There are up to 1,500 earthquakes per year. Most of them do not have destructive power, but are felt by a person.
Japan has a well-developed forest. Forests cover more than 60% of the country’s territory. In total, more than 700 species of trees and 3,000 herbs are known. The islands are covered with all types of forests mixed, coniferous and deciduous. On different islands of Japan, the nature of the forest varies.
The Japanese islands have no connection with the mainland, therefore, in the animal world of this country there are endemics living creatures and plants that are characteristic only for a certain territory. In general, the flora and fauna here are very rich.
Description of the ecological system
The ecological situation in Japan has changed depending on the period of development, as well as external factors. The great destruction that befell the country during the Second World War brought the state to the brink of existence. On the territory of the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, nuclear bomb explosions occurred, which determined the radiation contamination of these areas.
In order to restore infrastructure and raise living standards after the hostilities of the mid-20th century, Japan took steps that did not include environmental protection. Nuclear power plants, numerous highways were built, a lot of work was done to create transport infrastructure. This resulted in the deterioration of the ecological situation and severe environmental pollution.
Aware of the deteriorating ecology and the increasing pressure on the nature of the islands, the Japanese authorities adopted new environmental legislation in 1970. The revised approach to natural resources and their protection from anthropogenic impact has helped to stabilize the situation.
Modern problems of ecology in Japan
Nowadays, the Japanese islands have several major environmental problems: air pollution of megacities with vehicle exhaust gases, disposal of household waste, as well as swamping of important water bodies.
The industrial and scientific activity of modern Japan is aimed not only at technical progress, but also at environmental protection. Today there is a balance between the development of technology and the protection of nature. Japanese engineers make a huge contribution to the world experience in energy-saving technologies. As part of the fight for clean air, more and more advanced car engines are being developed, public and personal transport on electric traction (electric vehicles) is being introduced.
Japan’s environmental activities also affect global climate change. The country participates in the Kyoto Protocol a document on the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, as well as other chemicals that contribute to the development of the greenhouse effect on the planet.
Due to the high seismic activity in the region, Japan is almost always at risk of sudden and uncontrolled environmental pollution. This is evidenced by the earthquake that occurred on March 11, 2011. As a result of tremors, the process tanks of the Fukushima-1 nuclear power plant were damaged, from which radiation leaked. The radioactive background at the accident site exceeded the maximum allowable by eight times.
