Discussion Paper

What is a discussion paper?

Based on the understanding that information valuable for the progress of research can be obtained by soliciting the opinions and feedback of people both within and outside NIES regarding the results of such research, whether completed or still in progress, as a general rule we compile research results in the form of a discussion paper and gather such opinions and feedback on a wide scale before reporting the results to academic societies, etc. We will continue to compile and publish research results or interim results as discussion papers in the current term, and invite you to read them and send your opinions or feedback. Papers will be designated as one of the following types according to their content: (1) research paper, (2) research material/data, or (3) explanatory article.

 

  1. Research paper: A paper reporting original research related to environmental issues, containing useful conclusions or facts that have been independently obtained. Review papers are also included in this type.
  2. Research material/data: A technical supplement compiling the results of research, complex equations of models, program sources for statistics or analysis, etc.
  3. Explanatory article: An article describing the authors’ own research, to be published for the purpose of disseminating the findings obtained to the general public (Japanese language only).

* Please note that the contents of papers and opinions are published on the responsibility of the authors themselves, and do not necessarily reflect the views of NIES.

Categories

The researchers at the Center for Social and Environmental Systems Research have backgrounds in a wide range of fields and are engaged in research targeting various environmental issues. Taking the convenience of users into consideration, papers are categorized in terms of research fields and research targets, as follows.

Research fields

(a) Environmental impact assessments and environmental policies, (b) environmental engineering, (c) economics, (d) transportation engineering, (e) urban engineering, (f) regional (urban and rural) planning studies, (g) jurisprudence, (h) others

Research targets

(1) Environmental education and environmental awareness, (2) international aspects of environmental issues (international cooperation, environmental issues in developing countries, trade, etc.), (3) regional environmental issues in Japan (transportation issues, atmospheric pollution, water contamination, chemical substances, urban/rural issues, etc.), (4) other global environmental issues (depletion of the ozone layer, acid rain, etc.), (5) nature preservation (conservation of scenery, natural resources, etc.), (6) climate change issues, (7) waste issues, (8) others