my-earth.org.uk.

(From Journal of Japanese Trade & Industry (JJTI))

Byline: The British Embassy, Tokyo

The United Kingdom is delighted to be taking part in EXPO 2005. Prime Minister Tony Blair's announcement made during his visit to Japan in 2003 that the UK would participate in the EXPO was warmly welcomed by both countries as a further example of the already close relationship between the UK and Japan, especially in the field of environmental sustainability. Expositions have a long history of providing an international forum for sharing and exploring new ideas. The EXPO theme of "Nature's Wisdom" is particularly relevant at a time when we are facing serious global problems such as climate change. Tackling environmental challenges The extraordinary progress made in science and technology over the last century in transport and communications, in sport and leisure, in medical techniques, and household technology have contributed to improving standards in basic welfare for an increasing population. The downsides of technological progress, however, have been brought into sharp focus in recent years. It is now clear that carbon dioxide (CO2) released by the burning of fossil fuels, which provides much of the energy needed to power modern life, is causing significant changes in the world's climate. As a result, Arctic Ocean ice has thawed and the average global sea level is rising. The British government is committed to significantly reducing CO2 emissions by developing renewable energy sources and promoting energy efficiency. It also takes a keen interest in protecting nature by acting to preserve bio-diversity and working with other countries to combat international problems such as illegal logging and the associated destruction of forest habitats. In 2005, the UK wants to use the presidency of the G8 to get its partners and major emerging markets engaged in international action to address the problem of climate change and the economic cost of inaction. Since the signing of the Kyoto Protocol, Japan has been recognised as a world leader in the fight against climate change. Close co-operation with Japan is therefore a key part of our strategy. For example, on Jan. 19, 2005, Japan and the UK launched a collaborative project in which top UK scientists will use the Earth Simulator Center in Yokohama to improve our understanding of the Earth's climate and how it is changing.

UK pavilion The UK pavilion has been designed to highlight global environmental issues while exhibiting the best of modern British innovation and design. It will provide an imaginative and highly interactive showcase for the UK within the EXPO's overarching theme of "Nature's Wisdom," highlighting British capabilities in the fields of art and design, sustainable development and innovative technology. The UK is famed for its gardens and natural woodlands, so the inspiration for our pavilion is drawn from right outside our front doors. The pavilion includes a garden of diverse British plant life, which will change with the seasons. Set amongst the trees will be eight installations commissioned by eminent contemporary British artists. These installations will seek to explore current global environmental issues. They will be thought-provoking as well as visually stimulating; the garden will offer a few surprises as you walk around. The artists commissioned to produce a piece for the woodland are Anya Gallaccio, Richard Deacon, Richard Woods, Ross Sinclair, Catherine Yass, John Riddy, Heather Ackroyd, Dan Harvey and Cornelia Parker. Inspired by nature Inside the pavilion itself, the focus is on science and technology. Through the use of interactive communication media, it gives an insight into a series of British projects and innovations, which have been inspired by nature. There are seven exhibits: (1) Seeding the Future The Millennium Seed Bank, managed by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, is creating a genetic database of the world's plants to prevent extinction, retain diversity and, ...