Latest news with #NIES
Yomiuri Shimbun
5 days ago
- Science
- Yomiuri Shimbun
New Satellite to Make Detailed Survey of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Across Entire Globe in 3 Days
The Yomiuri Shimbun Observation satellite GOSAT-GW is unveiled to the press at the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture last Tuesday. To enhance the observation of greenhouse gases from space, the government will launch a new satellite in June. GOSAT-GW, the third in its series, is capable of performing observations across a plane rather than the current method of observing each point. This makes it possible to survey the earth's entire surface within three days. The government will also strive to swiftly make public the analytical findings of the observations, with the use of AI, thus supporting the often-sluggish efforts of various countries to fight global warming. The Environment Ministry launched its first greenhouse gas observing satellite, GOSAT, in 2009, and the second one in 2018 to measure atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane and other gases. Since the current GOSAT series satellites can only observe points of about 200 kilometers distance at a time, observations have been limited to the country level. On the other hand, the GOSAT-GW can make observations across a wide plane in one go. According to the National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), its sensors can observe an area of about 900 kilometers at a time, allowing a seamless survey of the entire globe. With its spatial resolution set to be up to 100-fold greater than the current satellites, the new satellite will enable city-level measurements of emissions. The GOSAT-GW is also capable of measuring nitrogen dioxide (NO2), an air pollutant emitted by the combustion of fossil fuels at such facilities as thermal power plants, which is useful for estimating the possible sources of greenhouse gases and their amounts more accurately. The new satellite is capable of making simultaneous measurements of both CO2 and NO2, a world first.a The monitored data will be analyzed by the NIES using AI and other methods, and the NIES aims to make the findings public online within two to three days. The GOSAT-GW is scheduled to be mounted aboard the H2A rocket No. 50, to be launched by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) on June 24. Countries and regions must report their greenhouse gas emissions to the United Nations if they are members of the Paris Agreement, an international framework on global warming countermeasures. Since last year, developing countries have also been included, but some countries are unable to prepare accurate data. Furthermore, the United States' announcement of its withdrawal from the agreement has raised concerns about delays in countermeasures. The government has already provided emissions analysis results to five countries, including Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan, and aims to make satellite-based verification methods an international standardization. 'We want to support decarbonization efforts by countries and companies by disseminating objective data measured via satellite observations, both at home and abroad,' said Hiroshi Tanimoto, Director of the Earth System Division of the NIES.
New Straits Times
08-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
IIM, MACC to forge strategic partnership to coordinate anti-corruption initiatives
PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Institute of Integrity (IIM) has expressed its intention to forge a strategic partnership with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to ensure better coordination of anti-corruption activities and avoid duplication. MACC deputy chief commissioner (Prevention) Datuk Azmi Kamaruzaman said in a statement that this was conveyed by IIM chief executive officer Rahman Mohd Din during a courtesy call at the MACC headquarters here today. He said IIM played a key role in strengthening a culture of integrity and good governance in both the public and private sectors. "MACC welcomes IIM's intention to establish a strategic partnership to coordinate anti-corruption activities between the two agencies, avoid duplication, strengthen joint strategies and facilitate information sharing in formulating various anti-corruption agendas," he said. Azmi said the courtesy call also reflected the commitment of both MACC and IIM in developing the National Integrity Cultivation Strategy (NIES) to replace the National Integrity Plan (PIN). Meanwhile, Rahman, in the same statement, expressed appreciation for MACC's commitment and said IIM always welcomed collaboration and was open to sharing information and views with the commission. –Bernama
Borneo Post
23-04-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Forest Department Sarawak technical committee meets with National Institute for Environmental Studies in Japan
Hamden (left) presents a memento to NIES president Dr Masahide Kimoto. KUCHING (April 24): A technical committee from the state Forest Department (FDS) convened at the National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES) in Tsukuba, Japan yesterday. The meeting marks a significant step forward in the strategic bilateral collaboration between the department and NIES meant to leverage cutting-edge research for evidence-based forest governance. The committee, chaired by Sarawak Forests director Datu Hamden Mohammad, brought together experts in forestry, geospatial science, environmental legislation, forest engineering and research technology, according to a statement by FDS. 'Their primary objective is to assess scientific findings and data presented by NIES researchers to guide Sarawak's policy decisions in line with the Premier's vision of a green economy, 'A total of nine senior research associates and consultants from NIES, led by Dr Yayoi Takeuchi, presented research papers on a wide range of topics, including advanced forest monitoring technologies and sustainable management practices,' it added. FDS said the presentations intend to support Sarawak's ongoing efforts in managing its vast forest resources in a more informative and innovative manner. It added that after the meeting, Hamden said FDS prioritises proactive governance and will always ensure that cutting-edge research supports evidence-based policymaking, reinforcing Sarawak's intention to stay ahead in forest and environmental stewardship. 'This collaboration is rooted in a formal partnership, first established with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Dec 1, 2023 in Tsukuba, followed by a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on Jan 31, 2024 in Kuching. 'These agreements officially appointed NIES as a consultant to the Sarawak government for sustainable forest management initiatives,' said FDS. In 2024, NIES conducted several capacity-building programmes for Sarawak civil servants and industry stakeholders and these included trainings on tree DNA analysis and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology, a powerful tool for forest mapping and modelling. These efforts are part of a broader plan to equip Sarawak's forestry sector with the knowledge and skills needed for next-generation forest management. Meanwhile, as part of yesterday's engagement, representatives from FDS, Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC), and Sarawak Timber Association (STA) toured NIES's research facilities. 'They explored installations such as flux chambers, satellite observation facilities for greenhouse gases, and preservation labs for endangered species—technologies that could eventually be adapted for use in Sarawak,' read the statement. Forest Department Sarawak Japan lead NIES
Zawya
06-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
African Energy Chamber (AEC) Joins Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) 2025 as Gold Sponsor, Supporting Nigeria's Energy Investment Drive
The African Energy Chamber (AEC) ( as the voice of Africa's energy sector, is proud to participate in the 2025 Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) as a Gold Sponsor, reinforcing its commitment to making energy poverty history by 2030. Taking place from February 24–27 in Abuja, NIES serves as a critical platform for fostering collaboration and attracting investment to strengthen Nigeria's energy sector. Under the theme, Bridging Continents: Connecting Investors Worldwide with Africa's Energy Potential, the summit will connect global investors with Nigeria's vast oil, gas and renewable energy opportunities – aligning with the AEC's mission to maximize energy resources and provide sustainable access for the 600 million Africans lacking electricity and 900 million without clean cooking solutions. With 37.5 billion barrels of crude oil and 200 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, as well as significant untapped renewable energy potential, Nigeria has the capacity to expand energy access for its 85 million citizens currently without electricity. In 2024, pro-investment reforms positioned the country as Africa's top destination for upstream oil and gas investments, spurring major commitments from global players. Shell pledged $122 million to the Iseni Gas Project and reached a Final Investment Decision (FID) for Bonga North Tranche 1. TotalEnergies announced a $550 million FID for the Ubeta Gas Project, while China's CNEC partnered with UAE-based Alpha Group on the $20 billion Ogidigben Gas Revolution Industrial Park. CNEC also joined forces with Nigeria's BFI Group on a $1.2 billion gas processing project in Akwa Ibom State, while Nigerian firm Dorman Long Engineering secured a $10 million trade facility loan from the African Export-Import Bank – reflecting rising investor confidence in the sector. Looking ahead, investment in Nigeria's oil and gas industry is set to surge. TotalEnergies is expected to reach FID on a $750 million offshore gas project in 2025, while the country aims to attract $30 billion in deep offshore investments by 2029, cementing its role as a key player in the global energy market. At the same time, Nigeria's renewable energy sector is rapidly expanding. In January 2025, the International Finance Corporation partnered with five renewable energy firms to extend electricity access to 400,000 Nigerians under the Nigeria Distributed Access Through Renewable Energy Scale-Up initiative and Mission 300 program – advancing the country's diversification agenda. Against this backdrop, NIES 2025 presents a unique opportunity for global investors to engage directly with Nigeria's regulatory authorities and industry leaders on high-level deals and strategic partnerships. 'Nigeria's vast energy resources offer one of the world's most lucrative yet untapped opportunities to drive local, regional and global energy market stability. With investor-friendly policies and reforms, the country presents a compelling case for global players. NIES aligns with the AEC's mission to attract investment into Africa's energy sector and eradicate energy poverty through strategic cooperation,' stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
