Here are some English phrases I have come across that were published by Japanese authors. I have rewritten and/or corrected the phrases, and have included some links to websites showing actual usage. If you come across similar phrases that you are unsure about, please ask me about them in class.
protection of global environment:
Although used by a few non-Japanese organizations, this phrase is more readily found in documents published by a few large Japanese corporations and the Japanese government. In the case of Japanese usage, the phrase tends to be a translation of 地球環境保全 (地球 earth; world, global + 環境 environment + 保全 preservation; conservation; protection). At the very least, this phrase needs a definite article (定冠詞) before the noun global environment. Therefore, “protection of the global environment” would be acceptable.
Personally, I don't like the usage of “protection” by corporations. Honestly, what corporation is so large that it can protect the environment? If you think about it, the very existence of a corporation impacts the environment. If a corporation really wanted to protect the environment, they would have to cease to exist!
Another point is the use of global environment. I know of no one company whose environmental policy will have a direct impact on protecting the environment on a global scale. True, efforts by companies can have an immediate effect on nearby waterways, local air quality, etc. However, if Sony switches from a petroleum-based plastic housing to a bio-plastic housing for their MP3 player, they may help reduce non-biodegradable waste that is dumped in landfills, but I wouldn't go so far as to say they are protecting the entire environment of the whole world!
Here are some suggested alternatives to protection of global environment:
Using the word preservation is a good choice. Companies can implement policies to reduce their impact on the environment, thus helping to preserve the current status or condition of the environment.
Examples:
- Preservation of the environment is a fundamental duty of manufacturers.
- 環境保全はメーカーに課せられた基本的義務である。1
- Preservation of the natural environment must be our number one goal.
- 自然環境の保存は、われわれの第一の目標でなければならない。2
More examples of excellent Japanese and English translations
Stating clearly green procurement standards for global environmental conservation and requesting that suppliers observe them.
(地球環境保全のためグリーン調達の基準を明示しお取引先様に遵守を求める。3)
Additionally, Japan continues to actively address environmental issues under the Medium-Term Policy on Official Development Assistance (formulated in August 1999) by providing cooperation in such diverse fields as air pollution, global warming, and the preservation of the natural environment in accordance with "Initiatives for Sustainable Development toward the 21st Century" (ISD).
(99年8月に策定した「政府開発援助に関する中期政策」においても「21世紀に向けた環境開発支援構想（ISD）」等に基づき積極的に取り組むこととされており、協力分野は大気汚染、地球温暖化、自然環境保全など多岐にわたる。4 )
Additional examples of usage by non-Japanese
environment protection→ environmental protection
protection of the environment → promotes environmental protection
contribution to the environment → contributes to energy conservation
environment contributing products → environmentally sound products
for earth's environmental protection → in response to environmental issues
for earth's environmental protection → in response to environmental concerns
for earth's environmental protection → in response to environmental challenges
protection of the environment → contributes towards protecting the environment
contributes towards environmental protection → contributes towards protecting the environment
protection of the environment → further promotes XYZ's commitment to environmental protection
contributes towards environmental protection → by making active contributions to environmental protection
improvement of environmental responsiveness → have minimum impact on the environment
improvement of environmental responsiveness → reduce environmental impact
環境対応型～ for environment response → is environmentally sound
環境対応型～ environmental protection dealing → is environmentally sound
(products that) require environmental awareness → (products that) lessen their impact on the environment
(products that) require environmental awareness → (products that) reduce energy usage and minimize environmental impact
environmental pollution of the vehicle → vehicle emissions
environmentally contributory (fuels) →(fuels) that are environmentally friendly and clean-burning
～ is environment-saving → ～ promotes efficiency and environmental compatibility
not hazardous to environment extremely → exceptionally low impact on the environment
環境貢献型～ environment contribution type ～ → ～ makes a contribution to safeguarding the environment5
環境貢献型～ environment contribution type ～ → ～ makes a contribution to a cleaner working environment
環境貢献型～ environment contribution type ～ → ～ contributes to a cleaner working environment
How to Indicate Eco Mark Products (エコマーク事務局 & 日本環境協会)
- Environmental Protection Product Certified by the Eco Mark Office
- Eco Mark Product
- Eco Mark Product Certified by the Eco Mark Office
- Eco Mark Product Awarded by the Eco Mark Office of the Japan Environmental Association
- Environmental Protection Product Awarded by the Eco Mark Office of the Japan Environmental Association
- 科学技術和英大辞典（縮刷版） Japanese-English Science and Engineering Dictionary
- 英辞郎第三版
- ニコングリーン調達基準 / Nikon Green Procurement
- 外交政策、青書・白書・提言第2章分野ごとの日本外交 / Diplomatic Bluebook 2001, Chapter II. SECTION 4. B. Global Environmental Issues
- CD-ビジネス技術 実用英語大辞典 英和・和英/用例・文例 第4版
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