Kyoto Following Its Own Protocol?

"...contrasting preferences [with environmental implications] have profound implications for the Kyoto Protocol, the treaty to combat climate change that was signed in the city in 1997.

If any country could meet the terms of the treaty and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, it would seem to be Japan. No other nation has Japan's deep cultural roots in conservation, with everything from religion and art to everyday living habits influenced by the age-old concept of mottainai, the disapproval of waste and excess.

But as the Japanese act more American -- choosing bigger houses and bigger cars, shopping in bigger malls, turning the heat up and blasting the air conditioning -- Japan could become one of the treaty's most notable failures.

While Japan's industries are hyperefficient, cutting their emissions by 1.7 percent since 1990, emissions from the residential sector have grown 29 percent, according to government estimates.

Emissions from the commercial sector are up 37 percent, and those from transportation 20 percent."