Japan's Lessons on the Economy and the Environment: Our Pollution Experience Part 3 of 4

Summary

In the late 1960s, Japan faced severe pollution issues, leading to widespread diseases like Minamata and asthma. Victims sought justice, prompting the government to acknowledge pollution as the cause and enact laws for environmental control. The 1970s saw significant legal victories for plaintiffs, leading to the establishment of the Environment Agency and the Pollution-Related Health Damage Compensation Law. Companies faced increased costs for pollution control but adapted, investing in cleaner technologies. Dr. Michio Hashimoto, an environmental expert, discusses the societal and business changes, emphasizing the public's role in demanding pollution control and industry's response through innovation and cost management.

Takeaways

• 📚 In 1967, victims of industrial pollution, such as those affected by Minamata disease, began legal battles for compensation.
• 🏥 In 1968, the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare acknowledged that Itai-itai disease was caused by chronic cadmium poisoning from the Kamioka mine.
• 🔬 Scientific evidence in September confirmed that organic mercury causing Minamata disease originated from the effluent of the Chisso factory.
• 🗣️ Grassroots protests escalated, leading to fishermen blocking sea lanes and demanding compensation for pollution damage.
• 🏛️ The 'anti-pollution Diet session' in December 1970 led to the enactment and amendment of 14 pollution-related laws, including the deletion of the harmonization provision.
• 🌿 In July 1971, the Environment Agency was established to consolidate administrative authority over pollution control, implementing measures like criminal sanctions and special loans for pollution control facilities.
• 🏥 The courts ruled in favor of the plaintiffs in four major pollution cases between 1971 and 1973, clarifying corporate responsibility for health damage.
• 💼 The Pollution-related Health Damage Compensation Law was enacted in 1973, making polluting companies liable for compensation to victims.
• 🌐 Dr. Michio Hashimoto, an expert in environmental issues, highlighted the societal and business changes, including the public's and victims' protests against pollution.
• 📈 The anti-pollution measures of 1970 led to significant cost increases for companies, but econometrics models showed that Japan's industry could still prosper despite these costs.

Q & A

What were the significant events in 1967 that marked the beginning of anti-pollution movements in Japan?

In 1967, victims of Bertha, Nagato Minamata disease, and Yokai Chi asthma sufferers went to court, which marked the beginning of anti-pollution movements in Japan.

What was the official stance of the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare in May 1968 regarding Itai-Itai disease?

In May 1968, the Ministry of Health and Welfare officially admitted that Itai-Itai disease was caused by chronic cadmium poisoning, likely from the Kamioka mine located on the upper reaches of the Jinzu River.

How was the source of Minamata disease identified, and when was this proven?

The source of Minamata disease was scientifically proven in September to be the organic mercury compound from effluent of the Chisso factory.

What actions did local fishermen take in response to the pollution, and how did this impact the industry?

Local fishermen demanded compensation for the damage caused by pollution and protested by closing sea lanes, denying access to the factory, which intensified grassroots protests against pollution.

What significant legislative changes were made in December 1970 in response to pollution issues?

In December 1970, the so-called anti-pollution Diet session enacted and amended 14 pollution-related laws, including the deletion of the controversial harmonization provision in the basic law for environmental pollution control.

When was the Environment Agency established, and what was its role in pollution control?

The Environment Agency was established in July 1971, consolidating administrative authority over pollution control and implementing measures such as criminal sanctions against violators and special loans for pollution control facilities.

How did the courts' rulings in the 1970s clarify the responsibilities of companies in pollution-related health damage?

Between 1971 and 1973, the courts found in favor of the plaintiffs in the four major pollution cases, thereby clarifying the company's responsibility for damage to health, which led to the enactment of the pollution-related health damage compensation law in 1973.

What was the role of Dr. Michio Hashimoto in addressing environmental problems during the period of severe pollution?

Dr. Michio Hashimoto, the president of the Overseas Environmental Cooperation Center, worked in government service during the worst period of pollution damage. He cooperated with the Ministry of Health and Welfare on announcements about Itai-Itai and Minamata diseases and dealt with the problems from the viewpoints of both victims and companies.

How did the media play a role in the anti-pollution movement in Japan during the 1960s?

The media began their censorship of Japan's polluters in the mid-1960s, which contributed to the shift in the protest movement from anti-pollution to anti-development.

What technological advancements were made in pollution control during this period?

Technological advancements included the development of flue gas desulphurization, fluidized bed burning, selective catalytic reduction, and various wastewater treatment facilities to remove harmful substances from wastewater.

How did the anti-pollution measures of the 1970s impact the Japanese industry, and what were the economic implications?

The anti-pollution measures led to increased expenditures for companies, which were required to meet more stringent laws and standards. However, some companies profited by creating pollution control devices, and consumers were willing to accept price differentials caused by the installation of anti-pollution measures. Industry leaders invested heavily in pollution control and energy efficiency, which eventually helped them to prosper and compete in international markets.

Outlines

00:00

🌿 Environmental Movements and Legal Actions

The script details the rise of anti-pollution movements in Japan, sparked by the suffering of victims from diseases like Minamata and Yokai asthma. Legal battles ensued, leading to the Ministry of Health and Welfare's admission in 1968 that Minamata disease was caused by chronic cadmium poisoning from the Kamioka mine. Scientific evidence linked the organic mercury compound in the disease to the Chi cell factory's effluent. Grassroots protests intensified, leading to the 'anti-pollution Diet session' in 1970 that enacted and amended 14 pollution-related laws. The Environment Agency was established in 1971 to consolidate administrative authority over pollution control, implementing measures like criminal sanctions and special loans for pollution control facilities. The courts ruled in favor of the plaintiffs in major pollution cases, leading to the enactment of the Pollution-related Health Damage Compensation Law in 1973, making companies liable for compensation. Dr. Michio Hashimoto, an expert in environmental problems, discusses societal and business changes, emphasizing the public's and victims' roles in protesting pollution and the importance of local acceptance for industrial expansion.

05:02

🔬 Technological Innovations and Industry Response

This paragraph discusses the development of environmental standards and pollution control technologies in response to the growing awareness of pollution's impact on health. Innovations such as flue gas desulphurization systems, fluidized bed burning techniques, and selective catalytic reduction were introduced to reduce harmful emissions. Wastewater treatment facilities were also developed to remove harmful substances. Dr. Hashimoto further explains how companies reacted to the increased costs of pollution control, with the 1970 'anti-pollution Diet' leading to more stringent laws and higher expenditures. Despite concerns about the economic impact, econometrics models showed that industry could continue to prosper. Companies were required to pay billions in compensation claims, leading to the establishment of severe standards and heavy investments in pollution control devices. This period saw industry leaders grappling with cost rationalization for pollution control and energy efficiency, recognizing the importance of solving these issues to remain competitive in both domestic and international markets.

Keywords

💡Anti-pollution movements

Anti-pollution movements refer to the collective actions taken by individuals or groups to oppose environmental pollution and advocate for cleaner practices. In the video's context, these movements gained momentum in 1967, with victims of pollution-related diseases like Minamata disease and asthma sufferers taking their cases to court. The movements played a crucial role in raising public awareness and pushing for legal and policy changes to address pollution.

💡Minamata disease

Minamata disease is a neurological syndrome caused by severe mercury poisoning, named after the city of Minamata in Japan where it was first identified. The disease is mentioned in the script as a result of organic mercury compound pollution from industrial effluents. It exemplifies the devastating health impacts of pollution and was a catalyst for the anti-pollution movements and legal battles for compensation.

💡Chronic cadmium poisoning

Chronic cadmium poisoning refers to the long-term health effects caused by exposure to cadmium, a toxic heavy metal. In the video, it is mentioned as the cause of 'itai-itai' disease, another pollution-induced illness. Cadmium poisoning is a key example of how industrial activities can lead to severe public health crises, highlighting the need for stringent environmental regulations.

💡Environmental standards

Environmental standards are regulations that set limits on the amount of pollutants that can be released into the environment. The script discusses how the establishment of these standards was a significant step towards pollution control. They provide a legal framework for companies to operate within, ensuring that their activities do not harm the environment or public health.

💡Pollution control devices

Pollution control devices are technologies or systems designed to reduce or eliminate the emission of pollutants from industrial processes. The script mentions the development of such devices like flue gas desulphurization and fluidized bed combustion, which are crucial for mitigating the environmental impact of industrial activities. These devices are a direct response to the need for practical solutions to pollution problems.

💡Economic growth distortions

Economic growth distortions refer to the negative consequences that can arise from rapid economic development, such as environmental degradation and health issues. The Prime Minister's promise to modify these distortions, as mentioned in the script, indicates a recognition of the need for a more balanced approach to development that takes into account its environmental and social costs.

💡Basic Law for Environmental Pollution Control

The Basic Law for Environmental Pollution Control is a foundational legal framework that addresses pollution issues. As highlighted in the script, its enactment marked a major policy shift towards recognizing and managing pollution-induced diseases. It demonstrates the government's commitment to environmental protection and public health.

💡Compensation law

The Compensation law, as discussed in the script, requires industries to provide compensation to victims of pollution until their recovery or death. This law holds companies accountable for the health damage they cause and ensures that victims receive the support they need, reflecting a societal value of justice and responsibility.

💡Industry expansion

Industry expansion refers to the growth of industrial activities, which can lead to increased pollution if not managed properly. The script emphasizes that industry must be accepted by local governments and people, indicating that community consent is crucial for industrial growth. This concept underscores the importance of social license and sustainable development.

💡Mass media

Mass media plays a significant role in shaping public opinion and raising awareness about issues like pollution. In the script, the media's scrutiny of polluters is mentioned as a factor that contributed to the anti-pollution movement. The media's coverage can influence public perception, policy-making, and corporate behavior regarding environmental issues.

💡Pollution control costs

Pollution control costs refer to the financial expenditures required for industries to comply with environmental regulations and mitigate pollution. The script discusses how these costs led to increased expenditures and raised questions about Japan's economic sustainability. However, it also highlights that companies could prosper by investing in pollution control and energy efficiency, showing that environmental responsibility can be economically viable.

Highlights

Anti-pollution movements gained momentum in 1967 with victims of pollution-related diseases going to court.

In 1968, the Ministry of Health and Welfare admitted that Itai-itai disease was caused by chronic cadmium poisoning from the Kamioka mine.

Organic mercury compound causing Minamata disease was proven to come from the Chisso factory effluent in September 1968.

Local fishermen demanded compensation for damage caused by pollution, leading to widespread protests.

In December 1970, the 'anti-pollution Diet session' enacted and amended 14 pollution-related laws.

The Environment Agency was established in July 1971 to consolidate administrative authority over pollution control.

Courts found in favor of the plaintiffs in four major pollution cases between 1971 and 1973, clarifying corporate responsibility for health damage.

The Pollution-related Health Damage Compensation Law was enacted in 1973, making polluting companies liable for victim compensation.

Dr. Michio Hashimoto, president of the Overseas Environmental Cooperation Center, discusses changes in society and business regarding pollution.

The public and victims protested against pollution, demanding that industry must be accepted by local government and residents.

Media began censoring Japan's polluters in the mid-1960s, contributing to a shift in public opinion.

The Basic Law for Environmental Pollution Control was enacted to address distortions caused by economic growth.

Environmental standards were established, leading to the development of pollution control technologies.

Innovative pollution control devices like flue gas desulphurization and fluidized bed combustion were developed.

Selective catalytic reduction was introduced to remove nitrogen oxide from flue gas.

Wastewater treatment facilities were developed to remove harmful substances from wastewater.

Dr. Hashimoto explains how companies reacted to the costs incurred by pollution control measures.

The anti-pollution law of 1970 led to increased expenditures for companies, who had to comply with more rigid laws.

Econometric models showed that despite increased costs, Japanese industry could continue to prosper with pollution control measures.

Industry leaders invested heavily in pollution control and energy efficiency in the 1970s and 1980s, leading to cost rationalization.

Transcripts

in the meantime

anti-pollution movements began to gather

momentum in 1967 victims of Bertha

Nagato Minamata disease and yokai Chi

asthma sufferers went to court followed

in 1968 by a tie a tie patients and by

Kumamoto Minamata disease sufferers in

1969 in May 1968 the Ministry of Health

and Welfare officially admitted that eat

I eat eye disease is caused by chronic

cadmium poisoning the only possible

source of Academy fluent from the

Kamioka mine located on the upper

reaches of the Ginsu river also in

September it was scientifically proven

that the organic mercury compound which

caused Minamata disease came from

effluent from the Chi cell factory ten

years had passed since the announcement

that toxic chemicals from the cause of

the disease local fishermen demanded

compensation for the damage the protests

spread throughout Japan and finally

waterborne protests by fishermen closed

the sea lanes denying access to the

factory grassroots protests against

pollution became more intense

in December 1970 the so called

anti-pollution Diet session enacted and

amended 14 pollution related laws the

controversial harmonization provision in

the basic law for environmental

pollution control was deleted community

cannot Kings get up for no pay off in

July 1971 the Environment Agency was

established consolidating administrative

authority over pollution control such

measures as criminal sanctions against

violators and special loans for

pollution control facilities were put

into effect

between 1971 and 1973 the courts found

in favor of the plaintiffs in the four

major pollution cases thereby clarifying

the company's responsibility for damage

to health in response to these verdicts

the pollution related health damage

compensation law was enacted in 1973

this makes the polluting companies

liable for compensation to the victims

dr. Michio Hashimoto is the president of

overseas environmental cooperation

center working on environmental problems

previously he worked in government

service coping with the problems at a

time when pollution damage was at its

worst he cooperated with the Ministry of

Health and Welfare on the announcements

about the eat I eat I and Minamata

diseases he has dealt with the problems

from the viewpoint of both victims and

the companies dr. Hashimoto explains

about changes in society and business

the public as well as the victims rose

up and protested against ever expanding

factories saying no more pollution

industry must be accepted by local

government and the local people in order

to expand its operations people have the

right to say no whether companies can

expand or not depends on the local

residents and next come the mass media

the media began their censor of Japan's

polluters in the mid 1960s in the mid

1960s Japan was approaching chaos the

protest movement changed its focus from

anti-pollution to anti development in

the run-up to an election for leader of

the ruling Liberal Democratic Party

the Prime Minister sattell promised to

modify all the distortions caused by

economic growth as a first priority this

decoration ensured of SATA would keep

his promise and so the basic law for

environmental pollution control was

enacted the law doesn't mandate it only

binds all ministries concerned with

controlling pollution problems that law

initially helped to recognize pollution

induced diseases it was a major change

because the government could officially

designate diseases as being induced by

pollution the next was establishing

environmental standards which led to

pollution control a budget was allotted

for research into pollution and we began

to collect scientific data a number of

pollution control devices were developed

the flue gas desulphurization self ERISA

removes sulfur oxides from flue gas

through the action of sulfur on lime and

water harmless carbon gypsum is the

final product of this device a technique

for burning called the fluidized bed was

developed as a less expensive

alternative

unlike previous systems there is no need

to set the desulphurization system

outside the boiler by spraying lime into

the boiler sulfur oxides react with the

lime at the time of incineration

selective catalytic reduction removes

nitrogen oxide from flue gas it resolves

nitrogen oxide into water and nitrogen

by using ammonia and a catalyst

various wastewater treatment facilities

were developed in order to remove

harmful substances from wastewater

let's hear again from dr. Hashimoto on

how the companies reacted to costs

incurred by pollution control the anti

pollution diet of 1970 greatly modified

the law companies throughout Japan

became targets of accusations new

industry had to abide by far more rigid

laws and the local governments

instituted more stringent laws naturally

expenditures rose radically many

questioned whether Japan could afford to

institute pollution control we analyzed

this very question using econometrics

models the answer was affirmative they

would continue to prosper compensation

increased and companies paid billions in

claims the compensation law requires

industry to succor victims until their

recovery or death industry began setting

severe standards which required

expensive plants heavy investment was

required to attain these mandated

standards but other companies profited

by creating pollution control devices

such costs naturally filtered through to

retail prices to separate questionnaires

establish the fact that consumers were

willing to accept price differentials

caused by the installation of

anti-pollution measures industry was

faced with cost rationalization for

pollution control production and energy

efficiency measures if they can't solve

these problems they can neither win in

the markets nor enter international

markets by the early 1970s industry

leaders were racking their brains for

solution

they invested heavily in Pollution

Control and energy efficiency in the

1970s and the 1980s the price they paid

for these controls and compensation

costs gave us a chance to compare the

actual costs of both options