And the world's least eco-minded city is...
Tokyo might be one of the most technologically advanced cities on the face of the earth, but according to pollsters, out of the world's richest cities -- it's also the most eco-apathetic. In a survey of 2,600 residents from Tokyo, New York, Paris, London, Milan, Moscow, Toronto and Frankfurt, it was Tokyoites that showed the most resistance to changing up their lifestyles to fight global climate change.Apparently, the green mindset hasn't got as much of a foothold in Japan's capital city. Just over 41% of Tokyoites said that they "don't want to sacrifice a convenient lifestyle to prevent global warming," compared to the average of 29.7%. Citizens in Japan's capital also polled the lowest in response to the statement "an eco-friendly lifestyle is comfortable." On the high end, people in Milan and Paris were the most eager to make changes.
As far as I knew, Japan was leading the way with green technology, but apparently they're not green tech's largest consumers. According to the research, eco-friendly products and renewable energy aren't nearly as hot of a commodity in Tokyo as they are in other major cities. Still, the West's enthusiasm for hybrid cars and eco-chic fashion doesn't necessarily translate into huge environmental progress.
Honestly, I don't know why this poll is supposed to matter to us. The article doesn't seem to indicate that Tokyo is the least green city as far as pollution, or environmental action. In fact, it says that 90% of Tokyoites say they feel threatened by global warming. Maybe Tokyoites are just being more forthcoming with the fact that climate change is inconvenient. I mean, who wants to sacrifice their lifestyle? If you want to do it, is it still considered a sacrifice?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
5-23-2008 @ 4:22PM
Deborah said...
Japan.
1/2 the population of America.
Land area roughly the size of Georgia.
Approx 70% land area uninhabitable (too many mountains and such).
So (essentially) half the population living in 30 percent of Georgia brings what a lot of eco-fans love; public transportation like crazy.
Seems like they're already doing some eco-friendly things and simply don't realize how simple it can be to have a larger green mindset.
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