Valuing air as a common good (Social Cooperation Research Department), the Institute for Future Initiatives (IFI), the University of Tokyo – Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Workshop on the Interim Report
“Toward the Development of Indicators on the Impacts of Extreme Heat and Air Pollution on Society and the Economy – Measuring Damage Risks and Vulnerabilities in Japan”

  • Date：
    Tue, Sep 02, 2025
  • Time：
    15:00-16:50
  • Location：
    Seminar Room, 3rd Floor of Ito International Research Centre, Hongo Campus, The University of Tokyo
  • Format：

    Hybrid (in-person and online)

  • Languages：

    Japanese and English (simultaneous interpretation provided)

  • Hosted by：

    Valuing air as a common good (Social Cooperation Research Department), the Institute for Future Initiatives (IFI), the University of Tokyo (UTokyo)
    OECD

  • Participation：
    Registration form(external link)

    *Valuing air as a common good (Social Cooperation Research Department), the Institute for Future Initiatives (IFI), the University of Tokyo collects personal information in order to provide you with the event URL and information. Your personal information will not be disclosed to any third party.

Purpose of the Workshop

Valuing air as a common good (Social Cooperation Research Department), the Institute for Future Initiatives (IFI), has been conducting survey and analysis in Japan since last year, with the cooperation of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), with the aim of developing indicators to measure the impact of extreme heat and air pollution on social and economic activities. Until now, we identified factors for measuring people’s vulnerability to the health impacts of extreme heat and air pollution, and proposed risk indicators. These interim findings were presented at the 15th Meeting of the OECD Working Party on Environmental Information (WPEI) in March this year under the title “Measuring vulnerability: Air pollution and extreme heat in Japan.”

In this workshop, we will discuss the following two points based on the above interim results.

*The significance of standardising vulnerability measurement
We will share the importance of identifying and evaluating vulnerable groups and regions susceptible to the impacts of heat caused by climate change and air pollution using GIS (Geographic Information System) methods. Additionally, we will discuss the international and policy significance of the joint research.

*Dialogue on future data development and policy coordination
We will introduce the methods currently being used in Japan to collect and analyze climate, air pollution, and socio-economic data, and confirm the need for global data development. At the same time, we will explore directions for the global implementation of effective and equitable adaptation measures based on scientific evidence.

Programme
  • Opening Remarks and Introduction

    Ichiro Sakata
    Professor, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo; Special Advisor to the President and Director of the Institute for Regional Future Society

  • Greetings

    Masajiro Yabashi
    Deputy Director, Environmental Planning Division, Comprehensive Policy Bureau, Ministry of the Environment

  • Background
    Overview of the University of Tokyo's "Valuing Air Project"

    Hisashi Yoshikawa
    Project Professor, Institute for Future Initiatives, The University of Tokyo

  • Keynote speech1
    The Contribution of the University of Tokyo to the Interim Report-Identification of Vulnerability Factors through a Review of Epidemiological Studies on Extreme Heat and Air Pollution in Japan

    Yuri Horinouchi
    Project Lecturer, University of Tokyo

  • Keynote Speech2
    The Outline of the Interim Report-Analysis Framework and Overview of Risk Indicators for the Interim Report

    Villas Vidvei
    OECD Environment Directorate, Environmental Information Division (ENV/EPI)

  • Panel Discussion

    (Moderator)
    Hisashi Yoshikawa
    Project Professor, Institute for Future Initiatives, The University of Tokyo

    (Panelists)
    Jun Yamashita
    Professor, Graduate School of Comparative Social and Cultural Studies, Kyushu University / Member of the WPEI

    Villas Vidvei
    OECD Environment Directorate, Environmental Information Division (ENV/EPI)

  • Closing Remarks

    Ivan Haščič,
    Senior Economist, OECD ENV/EPI

The programme is subject to change without notice.