In this session, Dr. Akio Takemoto, Director, Research and Information Office, Department of Global Environment, the Ministry of the Environment of Japan was invited to speak as a lecturer. The themes of this session were climate change adaptation strategies and the initiatives taken by local governments.

As the lecturer, Dr. Takemoto elaborated on the national progress of formulating a climate change adaptation plan, the adaptation measures furthered by each ministry and department, and the supporting measures for local governments. In addition, participating ICLEI Japan members exchanged ideas regarding the local authorities’ approaches to and ways of thinking toward climate change adaptation.

During the small group discussion, the participants raised concerns relating to formulating and implementing the adaptation plan hereafter, such as the importance of cooperation with research institutes or regional offices of the Ministry and the significance of setting targets. Furthermore, they expressed their opinions on the difficulties of consensus under circumstances where several bureaus are involved, and the role of environmental departments.