We would like to express our deepest thanks to Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. for sponsoring this research project. Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. as part of its CSR activities, has been supporting various environmental projects such as the planting of mangrove forests. Their participation in this project reflects the recognition that for an insurance company, whose main line of business relates to risk management, analyzing and evaluating some of the greatest environmental risks faced by humanity today -such as climate change or resource depletion- from a neutral standpoint will help the company live up to its mission and responsibility in society.

Research on the Scientific Basis for Sustainability(RSBS)

Joint Chairman Masayasu Kitagawa Professor, Waseda University
Joint Chairman Ryoichi Yamamoto Professor, University of Tokyo

The report is the summary version of "Research on the Scientific Basis for Sustainability" (The Japanese language report can be downloaded from http://www.sos2006.jp ). This report takes a neutral stance, looking at current research regarding the state of "sustainability", which is at the heart of environmental issues. We hope that this report will be used as a resource for policy-making and business strategy.

By compiling the views (based on theory and scientific evidence) and knowledge of specialists, we have attempted to present clear, neutral views on issues surrounding the sustainability of human society such as climate change; energy resources; non-renewable resources (mineral resources) and waste; renewable resources (food, soil, water, forests); biodiversity; and economic evaluation of the environment.

Restrictions to the completion of this type of project (time, personnel, funding, etc.) cannot be avoided, but it was decided from the start that the only limit must be trustworthiness and accuracy of the finished product. However, we would like the readers understanding on a few points; 1) Such a detailed report of the scientific knowledge of sustainability could not have been compiled, for the first time in Japan, without the cooperation of specialists in many fields; 2) This project can be thought of as a contribution of the scientific community to society, as proposed in the "Japan Perspective", announced in 2002 by the Science Council of Japan.

The compilation of this report received the instruction and guidance of over one hundred seventy scientists from around the world. For this we would like to express our profound gratitude.

Masayasu Kitagawa
Professor, Waseda University
RSBS Founder & Joint Chairman

Many scientists have pointed out that, regardless of the implementation of the Kyoto Accord, the earth is deteriorating, and the achievement of sustainability is becoming increasingly difficult. However, it is difficult to say that it has thoroughly risen to the level of a specific political issue with attempts at action. With that in mind, this project started as an attempt to pursue maximum "Scientific Rationality" and establish it as the basis of "Social Rationality", making environmental policy a reality without delay. To our joy, we received funding for the product from Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. as well as participation from many scientists, making it possible to present this report. Radical changes in politics, economics, and social structure are difficult to bring about, but we see this report as an opportunity for a "change of stance", incorporating both the environment and economy in national policy, and progressing the movement. It is an agenda that wholeheartedly requests the support of everyone who shares this vision.

Ryoichi Yamamoto
Professor, University of Tokyo
RSBS Founder & Joint Chairman

What are these times we live in? Human population increases by 2.4 people per second and carbon gases from fossil fuel are released into the atmosphere at 760 tons per second, where they become the main cause of global warming.

Human activities such as this are now seriously impacting the global environment, greatly affecting the future of humanity and other biological creatures. In the 21st century we must consider and act toward the development of global safety assurance, environmental management, and social economy. The keyword is "sustainability".

Deciding how to use this report is entrusted to the readers. Whether this report is used as a source of information, to answer criticisms, or read for education, any kind of use is warmly welcomed. Rather than remain partial to one way of thinking, we would like the reader to compare and relish various thoughts, moving closer to the truth. We would be overjoyed if it is used as the basis for effective action.

Kunio Ishihara
President, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd.
RSBS Founder

I feel privileged for the opportunity to take part in such a grand and important project in such an important year as this, when the Kyoto Protocol came into effect. We believe that by making this collection of the most recent scientific knowledge regarding the many problems surrounding the shared issue of the earth's sustainability open to the public, we will be rewarded with big suggestions.

By making the results of this project open, that anyone may freely apply them, we wish that people both in and outside of Japan will use it as a platform to move toward the realization of a sustainable society.

As a company, and as a good corporate citizen, we wish to play a part in the movement toward a sustainable society. We will not stop expecting the results of this project to be widely applied both in and outside of Japan.

December, 2005