Ministry of the Environment, Government of Japan
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Your environmental type diagnosis!

You adapt your actions to changing situations and find ways to keep going without strain.

You adapt to changing situations and bring new habits into daily life with ease. Environmental action is not only about big changes, but about continuing in ways that fit each moment. As the Adapter type, you flexibly accept new choices and naturally weave them into everyday life.

  • Practice
  • Flexible
  • Idea

A person is working at home and reading news on a laptop. The news says that this year is expected to be even hotter. “Wow… already that time of year.” Nearby, a cat is lying on the floor by the window. The person looks at the cat and says, “The sunlight is great this time of year…but last year it got really hot by the window.” The person smiles and talks to the cat. “You’re not a fan of the heat either, huh? I wonder if there’s a better way.” Suddenly, the person gets an idea. “Oh — I’ve got it! Let’s try a green curtain this year.” A green curtain is a natural shade made with climbing plants that block direct sunlight. Through evapotranspiration from the leaves, it cools the surrounding air and can help lower the perceived temperature. You can also grow cucumbers or bitter melon and enjoy the harvest. It’s two benefits in one. Later, the person sets up the green curtain by the window. Looking at it, the person says, “I wonder how it’ll look. I’m excited already.” At the end of the comic, a message appears: “In a changing world, you find your own way.”

In responding to the three global crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, there is a growing worldwide need to build socio-economic systems that integrate measures such as net-zero, nature-positive, and a circular economy. In Japan, the Basic Environment Plan has been formulated in order to promote policies for environmental conservation across the entire government in a comprehensive and systematic manner.

The Sixth Basic Environment Plan, approved by the Cabinet in May 2024, puts “the quality of life, level of happiness, well-being and economic welfare of each person present and in the future” (hereinafter referred to as “well-being/quality of life”) as its top objective, and also positions this as contributing to “the welfare of humankind.”

“Well-being/quality of life” consists of both market value and non-market value, and includes subjective well-being such as self-affirmation, representing true “affluence” in modern society. This plan is based on a strong sense of urgency regarding the three crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

Decarbonization (Carbon Neutrality): Net Zero

To address climate change, a global challenge, we aim to achieve carbon neutrality by reducing greenhouse gas emissions to net zero overall. Achieving net zero requires both reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preserving and enhancing natural absorption processes.

Nature Positive

By halting and reversing biodiversity loss to place nature on a path to recovery, this approach goes beyond simply protecting nature. It seeks to transform society and the economy as a whole so that they contribute to the conservation of biodiversity and related goals.

Circular Economy

To build a circular society, it is essential to shift away from a one-way, linear economic model based on mass production, mass consumption, and mass disposal. Instead, we must promote a circular economy that uses resources efficiently and sustainably, circulating them within the system.

Actions best suited for the Adapter

  • Decarbonization

    You adopt energy-saving actions and new ways of using energy that match changes in your lifestyle and surroundings.

  • Nature Positive

    While accepting changes in nature and society, you choose how to engage in ways that work for you and continue without strain.

  • Circular Economy

    You try new services and systems, and flexibly put into practice actions such as using things longer or sharing them with others.

The Adapter's Role

The Adapter helps the environment through everyday actions and naturally incorporates them into daily life. By adjusting your behavior to changing situations, you can sustain an environmentally conscious lifestyle over time.

Environmental Types
About the Sixth Basic Environment Plan (PDF)
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