Metro Council President David Bragdon is attending the International Conference on Promoting Low-Carbon Cities in Yokohama on Oct. 5. Bragdon attended last year’s conference and was asked by the government of Japan to join the discussion again this year to share Metro’s approach to regional transportation planning, compact development, natural areas protection and recycling.
Japan’s leadership role as the host nation of the Kyoto negotiations is evident in encouragement of municipalities to adopt localized strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Government grants and other assistance is available to cities that agree to implement GHG-reduction strategies involving public transport, non-fossil fuel use, and stewardship of resources.
Bragdon will present Metro’s strategies at the convention, which was organized by government officials including cabinet ministers at the highest level, where representatives from cities across Japan share how they are reducing reliance on carbon.
The Japanese government believes it can learn from, and share expertise with, other nations. In addition to the Portland metro region and the nearly 100 cities from Japan, representatives from Copenhagen, Stockholm, Dalian, Hamburg, France and the European Commission have been invited to speak. During three days in Japan, the international visitors will tour energy-recovery facilities, transit systems and environmental education classrooms that showcase the efforts of Yokohama and the Chiyoda Ward in Tokyo.