Lessons in Sustainable Development from Japan and South Korea provides a
concise overview of sustainable development in Japan and South Korea.
Hsu, Naoi, and Zhang focus on environment, energy, health, technology,
biodiversity, production, governance, well-being, livelihood,
regulation, property rights, and minerals as indicators of sustainable
development. Japan has greatly improved its environment since the
industrialization process ended in the 1970s. The nation also has
excellent health care and transportation systems. However, Japan
continues to struggle with gender inequality and traffic congestion.
Poverty and inequality have remained challenges since the 1990s.
Similarly, South Korea is continuing to improve its environment, as well
as its health care system, but struggles with gender inequality,
poverty, and inequality. The countries can benefit from better social
policies, as well as from a partnership in improving energy
self-sufficiency, including enhancement of renewable energy
technologies.