The ecological modernization capacity of Japan and Germany : comparing nuclear energy, renewables, automobility and rare earth policy / Lutz Mez, Lila Okamura, Helmut Weidner, editors.

Includes bibliographical references.

Introduction and Research Approach -- Ecological Modernization -- a Paradise of Feasibility but no General Solution -- Ups and Downs in Environmental Policy: Japan and Germany in Comparison -- Energy Policy in Japan -- Energiewende in Germany -- the Dawn of a New Energy Era -- Nuclear Waste Management in Japan -- Rise and Fall of the Nuclear Dream in Germany -- Renewable Energy in Japan -- 40 Years Promoting Renewable Energy in Germany -- The Future of the Japanese Automotive Industry -- Market and Technology Trends for the Automotive Future in Germany -- Rare Earth Strategies of Japan and EU/Germany -- Findings of the Research Project.

Cognitive-strategic capabilities of a country are decisive for overcoming the strong path dependence in climate-related policies and to achieve ecological and economic modernization. This is the result of a unique comparison approach focusing on four highly intertwined policy areas (Automobiles, Nuclear Energy, Renewables and Rare Earth) in Japan and Germany. Both countries have in principle sufficient economic, technological and institutional capacities for an ecological transformation, but they are lacking an integrated policy strategy to mobilize and organize the existing capacities in favor of structural changes. The focused four policy areas are analyzed in depth and compared by experts from political science.