Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study analyzes Japan's environmental parameters, focusing on rainfall patterns, surface temperature dynamics, vegetation distribution, forest cover, snow cover extent, and water resource availability. Using a qualitative analytical approach, the research addresses Japan’s geographical diversity, complex socio-institutional frameworks, and specific policy contexts. The primary emphasis is on surface temperature trends, examined through publicly available meteorological datasets and policy analysis. Results reveals two major patterns: (1) long-term warming since the 20th century (Greater Tokyo Area up 3°C in 100 years, driven by urban heat islands); and (2) spatial disparities (e.g., more summer extreme heat in subtropical Kyushu, shortened cold seasons in Hokkaido). Ecological impacts include altered temperate forest phenology (e.g., earlier beech flowering), reduced alpine snow affecting meltwater-dependent rivers, and higher forest fire risks in drought-prone areas. Policy gaps are evident: inadequate regional differentiation in national climate policies (e.g., uniform emission targets ignoring urban-rural thermal gaps); poor integration of meteorological data into micro-ecosystem protection (e.g., neglecting heat-induced agricultural pests); and insufficient urban planning regulations for heat island mitigation (e.g., limited green infrastructure mandates).
Author: Yang Zhai
Language: English
Subfield: Global and Planetary Change
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4415166491
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