Government eyes supporting use of AI and drones to manage bear population
Environment Minister Hiroyoshi Sasagawa emphasized that prompt action regarding bears will give "a sense of security" to the public.
The Japanese government is considering providing assistance to local authorities in utilizing artificial intelligence and drones to manage bear populations, following a surge in bear-related incidents, Environment Minister Hiroyoshi Sasagawa announced on Monday. In an interview, Sasagawa highlighted that swift action, including an emergency culling system allowing shooting in residential and inhabited areas as decided by municipal governments, will bolster public confidence.
The administration aims to raise public awareness about bear dangers through various means, as bears are expected to become active from now until hibernation, he added. Sasagawa, who assumed office in the September Cabinet reshuffle, also noted the necessity of considering personnel allocation to address bear-related issues in the medium to long term.
Furthermore, the government intends to enhance public comprehension regarding the recycling of soil from decontamination efforts tied to the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant disaster, partly through national park visitor centers. The Fukushima plant was severely impacted during the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Acknowledging Governor Masao Uchibori's concern over insufficient details on the government's final disposal plan for such soil outside the prefecture, Sasagawa pledged to engage government agencies and ministries in increasing regional offices dedicated to soil recycling.
He emphasized that he would provide comprehensive explanations to local governments to improve their understanding of the issue's significance. Regarding climate change, Sasagawa stated that he does not believe promoting decarbonization efforts will impede economic growth, believing that technological innovation aimed at overcoming related challenges will bolster competitiveness.
He also emphasized the importance of China and the United States' actions, the world's top emitters of greenhouse gases, stating that Japan's contributions to climate measures in Asia could benefit the global community.
Written by urgent.news from Japan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
