Projects
Energy Shift
As our inception coincided with the tragic earthquake in eastern Japan on March 11, 2011, accompanied by the multiple accident of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, we envision for Japan a clear nuclear phase-out by 2031 – when children born in 2011 will become 20 years old. Accordingly, we support projects in the 4 categories below.
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- Advocacy to scrutinize nuclear programs in Japan
- Radical shift to renewable energy
- Impacts of radiation on people and environment
- Preventive measures against radiation exposure
Systemic Pesticides
First developed and commercialized in 1990s, neonicotinoid pesticides are now the most widely used insecticide in the world. Namely, acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran imidacloprid, nitenpyram, thiacloprid, and thiamethoxam together with fipronil, their close relative, accounted for global sales of over US $2.63 billion in 2011.
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Their unique combination of neuro-toxicity even at sub-lethal doses; penetration to entire plant system from roots, stems, leaves, flowers to even pollen and nectar; and long persistence up to years in soil and water, impacts not only target insects, but also a wide range of non-target organisms including bees, birds, earthworms, water fleas, and humans. Evidence is mounting.
We support civil society efforts in 4 categories (Research, Communication, Market Work, Advocacy), in addition to producing our own reports.
East Asia Environmental Exchange
East Asia is one of the regions of the world where remnants of the Cold War reign as tensions mount intermittently between governments. Regardless, there is growing will among the civil society members of this region to work together on common grounds, besides the shared Chinese characters and rice-growing culture. The environment is foremost such a ground.
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About Us
‘act beyond trust’ (hereafter abt) is an independent civil society fund based in Japan for supporting citizen and NGO initiatives that strive for harmony between the natural environment and human society.
Presently, abt focuses on “Energy Shift” to break away from nuclear power, “Systemic Pesticides” threatening biodiversity and human health, and “East Asia Environmental Exchange” for the citizens of this region to co-create a sustainable future.
In Person
In Person
HOSHIKAWA Jun, the founder and Executive Director of abt, has been involved in various domestic and international civil society movements over the last 40 years including community initiatives in Yakushima, a UN World Natural Heritage island in southern Japan where he has lived since 1982, while working as a professional writer and translator with more than 80 books published in the fields of environment, peace, indigenous cultures and social change. In addition, his experience as the Executive Director of Greenpeace Japan (2005 -2010) inspired him to found abt. Jun manages abt with 6 other directors, 1 auditor, 2 expert advisors, and 2 staff.
Directors
YASUDA Setsuko
ABE Ryuichiro
KISHIDA Hotaru
MINOBE Masamitsu
CHO Misu
LI Yanyan
Auditor
SHIMA Akihiro
Expert advisors
MIYATA Hideaki
FURUSE Shigenori
Staff
YAGI Haruka
KITABATAKE Takuya