2018 Fiscal Year Annual Research Report
Mitigating Environmental Risks in Japan and Beyond: Methane Hydrate Regulation and Risk Governance
| Project/Area Number |
18F18729
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| Research Institution | The University of Tokyo |
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Principal Investigator |
森 肇志 東京大学, 大学院公共政策学連携研究部・教育部, 教授 (90292747)
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| Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha) |
YIALLOURIDES CONSTANTINOS 東京大学, 大学院法学政治学研究科, 外国人特別研究員
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| Project Period (FY) |
2018-10-12 – 2020-03-31
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| Keywords | Energy Law / Energy Policy / Methane Hydrates / Environmental Protection / Deep-Sea Mining / International Law / Japan |
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| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
Within the first nine months of my research (September 2018 to March 2019) I have assessed and examined relevant literature on offshore methane hydrates (published during the past 20 years) and developed a comprehensive plan for the next steps of my research. I have also prepared a discussion paper, summarising early findings and the proposed structure and methodology of my research. A copy of this discussion paper has been distributed to international law experts in Japan for their guidance and feedback. I have also co-authored two chapters on energy and environmental law, respectively, for reputable book publications (Routledge Handbook of Energy Law and Elgar Encyclopedia for Environmental Law). Furthermore, I have delivered invited lectures and presentations on relevant aspects of my research in five international conferences/workshops (Tokyo, London, Nicosia, Beirut, Danang) and developed strong research links with academic institutions and professional bodies in Japan and beyond.
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| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
2: Research has progressed on the whole more than it was originally planned.
Reason
By April 2019, I have fully completed the first two (out of five in total) parts of my research project, as envisaged in the original plan. The first part of the research provides a non-technical introduction to the scientific, engineering and commercial characteristics of offshore methane hydrates. It also provides an informative introduction to the geology and extraction process for methane hydrates. The second part presents Japan’s pressing energy challenges and highlights the potential benefits of methane hydrates to achieve Japan’s energy policy objectives.
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
From April 2019 onwards, I will work towards completing the remaining third, fourth and fifth part of my research. The third part of the research will examine existing Japanese laws to determine which might be applicable to activities engaging offshore methane hydrates in Japan. The domestic petroleum and maritime laws of Japan are presented and analysed in order to determine whether there are adequate mechanisms in place to address environmental risks. The fourth part will analyse the possible legal ramifications of Japan’s offshore methane hydrates at a global level with a particular focus on a) sustainable development law and b) environmental protection in areas beyond national jurisdiction. The fifth, and final, part of the research will provide recommendations as how to update the existing legal frameworks to ensure compliance with international environmental standards in Japan. I anticipate that the complete version of the final project report will be ready for publication by November/December 2019.
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[Presentation] orce and Coercion in the South China Sea2018
Author(s)
Constantinos Yiallourides
Organizer
“10th South China Sea International Conference: Cooperation for Regional Security and Development” in Danang, Vietnam, organised by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam
Int'l Joint Research / Invited
