Japan pivots to used cooking oil for sustainable aviation fuel amid global energy transition
Original framing: “Japan steps up efforts on cooking oil in race for sustainable aviation fuel” — The Japan Times
Scientific studies show that used cooking oil can be a viable feedstock for biofuels, but they also highlight the need for lifecycle assessments to ensure environmental benefits are not offset by land-use changes or increased emissions.
Japan’s pivot to used cooking oil for sustainable aviation fuel is a systemic response to global energy and environmental challenges, but it must be contextualized within broader historical, cultural, and ecological frameworks.
By integrating indigenous knowledge, cross-cultural practices, and marginalized perspectives, Japan can move beyond a technocratic model toward a more holistic and equitable energy transition. The scientific and future-modelling dimensions highlight the need for innovation and diversification, while the trickster dimension invites a critical re-examination of what sustainability truly entails. Only by weaving these dimensions together can Japan ensure that its energy policies serve both the planet and its people.