Policies and practices for a low-carbon society

In February 2006, the Ministry of Environment (MOE) Japan and the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) in the UK set in motion an ambitious research project aimed at informing the Gleneagles Dialogue on Climate Change, Clean Energy and Sustainable Development established during the UKs 2005 G8 Presidency (DEFRA, 2005). The Dialogue has engaged G8 and other interested countries with significant energy needs. It has focused on:

• The strategic challenge of transforming our energy systems to create a more secure and sustainable future
• Monitoring implementation of the commitments made in the associated Gleneagles Plan of Action
• Sharing best practice between participating governments.