Video Overview of NIES

Summary

The National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES) in Japan conducts interdisciplinary research to address complex environmental issues. Founded in 1974, NIES focuses on climate change, biodiversity loss, and socio-economic challenges. Key programs include low-carbon society development, sustainable material cycles, biodiversity conservation, and environmental health safety. The institute also leads disaster recovery research in Fukushima. Through international collaboration, NIES advances global environmental science while promoting sustainable policies and societal integration. Their goal is to foster a resilient, healthy environment for future generations.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES) is Japan’s only integrative and interdisciplinary environmental research institute, founded in 1974.
• 💡 In 2015, NIES became a National Research and Development Corporation to maximize research and development outcomes.
• 📊 NIES researchers collect vast amounts of data globally to address complex environmental issues like climate change and declining biodiversity.
• 🌱 The institute aims to integrate environmental research across multiple fields to solve socio-economic and ecological problems.
• 🏭 The low-carbon research program focuses on building a scientific foundation to limit global temperature rise to below 2°C, primarily in the Asia-Pacific region.
• ♻️ The sustainable material cycles research program works on resource recycling, international resource use strategies, and developing waste management systems.
• 🐾 The harmonization with nature research program studies the biodiversity crisis, the impact of human activities, and biodiversity conservation strategies.
• 🩺 The health and environmental safety program develops risk assessment methods for ecological impacts, air pollutants, and regional water conservation.
• 🌀 NIES conducts disaster-related environmental research in Fukushima, addressing radioactive contamination and building resilient waste management systems.
• 🌐 NIES collaborates with international research organizations, especially in Asia, to foster global environmental research and policy development.

Q & A

What is the National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES) and its main purpose?

The National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES) is the only institute in Japan engaged in integrative and interdisciplinary environmental research. It was founded in 1974 and plays a key role in solving various environmental problems.

How did NIES change in 2015?

In 2015, NIES transitioned into a National Research and Development Corporation with the goal of maximizing research and development outcomes, expanding its focus on cutting-edge environmental research.

What types of global issues does Japan face that NIES addresses through its research?

Japan faces serious and complex environmental issues like climate change and declining biodiversity, many of which are caused by human socio-economic activities. NIES addresses these through integrative research in environmental science.

What are the four key words that guide the activities at NIES?

The four key words guiding NIES are: 'Integrate' (overarching environmental science), 'Synthesize' (integrated research for societal implementation), 'Network' (developing research collaboration), and 'Evolve' (advancing high-level research).

What is the objective of the Low-Carbon Research Program at NIES?

The Low-Carbon Research Program aims to build a scientific foundation to keep temperature increases below 2 degrees Celsius relative to pre-industrial levels. It focuses on assessing greenhouse gas balances and developing sustainable solutions.

What is the goal of the Sustainable Material Cycles Research Program?

The program seeks to establish a future vision for material cycles-based societies, focusing on resource use strategies, supply chain structures, and sustainable integrated waste management, especially in Asia.

How does the Harmonization with Nature Research Program contribute to biodiversity conservation?

This program investigates how factors like over-exploitation, pollution, and climate change impact biodiversity. It also develops conservation measures, ecosystem management strategies, and adaptation techniques.

What focus areas are included in the Research Program on Health and Environmental Safety?

The program focuses on transgenerational effects on biological functions, ecological impact assessments, pollution research (e.g., PM 2.5), and water conservation, aiming to manage health and environmental risks.

How does NIES support the recovery from the Fukushima nuclear disaster?

NIES conducts environmental recovery research, including developing technologies for waste disposal, assessing the fate of radioactive substances, and contributing to community development in Fukushima Prefecture.

How does NIES engage with international and domestic partners for environmental research?

NIES collaborates with regional environmental research laboratories, public institutions, universities, and international organizations, particularly in Asia, to conduct joint research, field studies, and workshops.