This 2019 photo shows Japan being given the Fossil of the Day award during the United Nation's COP25 climate conference. (Mainichi/Toshiyuki Suzuki)

       The Mainichi Shimbun answers some common questions readers may have about the "Fossil of the Day" award recently given to Japan during the United Nations' COP26 climate conference.

       Question: What exactly is the "Fossil of the Day" award Japan has won?

       Answer: It's a dishonorable "award" for countries deemed unwilling to take climate change countermeasures during U.N. Climate Change Conferences. The satirical award's recipients are chosen by the Climate Action Network, a global network of nongovernmental organizations engaged in environmental conservation efforts.

       Q: The international conference is being held now, right?

       A: Yes. The 26th U.N. Climate Change Conference known as COP26 started on Oct. 31 in Glasgow, Scotland, in the northern part of the United Kingdom. The previous year's conference was postponed due to the coronavirus, meaning the COP is being held for the first time in two years. About 120 countries and regions, including Japan, participated in world leaders' meetings on Nov. 1 and 2.

       Q: Doesn't getting an award mean Japan is being commended?

       A: No. Japan has been moving forward with construction of coal-fired power plants, which emit a great amount of global-warming causing carbon dioxide. In the COP25 held in Madrid in 2019, Japan was criticized for adopting a passive stance on countermeasures. It was also the target of reproach from environmental conservation groups, and received the "Fossil of the Day" award then, too.

       Q: Why does the "Fossil of the Day" award exist?

       A: "Fossil" refers to fossil fuels which trigger global warming. It has become a custom for the Climate Action Network to assess each country's attitude toward engaging in negotiations, and it holds almost daily award ceremonies at COP venues. By highlighting citizens' stern views, the award aims to pressure each country's government to show more eagerness in climate change negotiations. Major coal exporters Australia and Canada, as well as oil producing countries such as Russia and Saudi Arabia, often receive the awards. Japan has also won countless times, and can be called a regular Fossil Award winner.

       (Japanese original by Toshiyuki Suzuki, Science & Environment News Department)

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