Penkioliktoji Jungtinių Tautų bendrosios klimato kaitos konvencijos konferencija ; 15th conference of the parties to the united nations framework convention on climate change: Japan's position and factors that caused it

Abstract

By using two-level game theory this paper analyses factors that caused Japan's ambitious position in the 15th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Analysis is done by finding local and international lobby groups that are concerned with Japan's international obligations, examining their inter-relations, and comparing their positions with official Japan's aims. The results of the paper showed that the biggest influence on Japan's position was Democratic Party which won the election at the end of summer 2009. It was seeking to get support of the society and to use country's technological potential to accomplish projects mitigating causes of climate change. By fulfilling their plans, the democrats did not meet strong opposing powers at home, because they had support from the citizens, did not have close relationship with business lobby, and were following previously approved strategic documents. In international area Japan was not bind by bilateral or multilateral agreements, and had support from EU and other influential international actors.