Environment and Global Warming

While the legal challenges to harmonize environment and business have changed over time, Iwata Godo has been providing solutions continuously for many years.

In dispute resolution, we represent corporate defendants. In the era of high economic growth, we handled lawsuits related to pollution, and more recently we have been handling lawsuits seeking injunctions to suspend power plant operations. These lawsuits have attracted public attention and may affect the survival of our clients, and require specialized litigation skill as well as an understanding of physics, engineering, geology, medicine, statistics, epidemiology and social policy. Our firm has over many years acquired the experience and developed the organizational know-how to successfully litigate these kinds of cases.

In the ordinary course of business, we conduct investigations and advise on regulations on soil, water and air pollution, as well as hazardous substances and wastes. In real estate transactions and M&A, we investigate and advise on environmental regulation as issues arise. When compliance issues arise due to violations, we investigate the factual background, and provide advice and representation in discussions with governmental authorities.

In addition, as measures against global warming and the realization of a decarbonized society have become international demands, we provide advice and support in drafting contracts on the management and financing of hydropower, wind, solar, biomass, geothermal and other renewable energy projects, the trading of carbon credits and emission allowances such as non-fossil certificates, and the structuring of business for CCUS and hydrogen use. In corporate work, we support shareholder meetings and advise boards and management in light of ESG and SDG priorities. In order to carry out these tasks based on up-to-date information, we strive to collect the latest information from specialized committees of bar associations and organizations promoting decarbonization. With our track record in environmental law, our lawyers also engage in pro bono activities such as serving on the advisory councils of government agencies.

Through these activities, we aim to contribute to the realization of a decarbonized and sustainable society.