NIEZMIENNA POLITYKA WOBEC ZMIAN KLIMATU. ODPOWIEDZIALNOŚĆ I PARTYCYPACJA OBYWATELI A POLITYKA ANTYKRYZYSOWA W JAPONII
CLIMATE chANGE POLICY WIThOUT chANGE. CITIZEN RESPONSIBILITY, PARTICIPATION AND ANTI-CRISIS POLICY IN JAPAN

Summary/Abstract: The effects of climate change have resulted in a notable increase in the intensity and scale ofmodern natural disasters, which often prove to be a formidable challenge for disaster responsesystems, thereby accentuating the authorities’ inability to manage risk with the requisiteeffectiveness. This situation presents an opportunity to modify anti-crisis policy by engagingresidents of high-risk areas. However, political actors frequently exploit tragedies to fortify theirposition by manipulating techniques for engaging and involving social actors in the design ofrisk minimisation measures. Despite the existence of studies which illustrate the efficacyof participatory projects in public policies, there remains a paucity of research addressing thequestion of how participation mechanisms are shaped in the sphere of crisis management,how citizens are included or excluded from the process of shaping anti-crisis policies, and howresponsibility for decisions and actions is distributed. The article presents an analysis of theinvolvement of residents in areas prone to flood risk in the process of designing flood policy.Drawing on the empirical material from ethnographic research, participant observation, in-depthinterviews, government documents, and press materials, this study aims to elucidate the mannerin which Japanese authorities are navigating a shift in policymaking related to the prevention andmanagement of disasters. The article demonstrates how political actors are managing a changein policymaking related to the prevention and management of disasters that de facto serves tomaintain and perpetuate their dominant position. The issue of responsibility for decisions made isof particular importance, given the construction of the dam will have a significant impact on thelives of residents and the functioning of river ecosystems in Kyushu.

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