The Environment, Science, Technology, and Health (ESTH) Unit

• promotes cooperation on international environmental issues, including climate change, oceans, and fisheries,
  
  
• works to support strong relations among U.S. and Japanese scientists by sponsoring the Science Network-Japan program to connect American researchers in Japan,
  
  
• handles export controls and other matters connected with combating the development and spread of weapons of mass destruction,
  
  
• coordinates closely with the Department of Energy (DOE), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the Agency for International Development (USAID) offices in the embassy on programs covering a range of topics from space to the environment to health issues,
  
  
• facilitates U.S. industrial competitiveness through initiatives that enhance U.S. access to Japanese technology and by reporting on important Japanese science and technology developments, and
  
  
• has responsibility for all USG civil space initiatives with Japan, through NASA's representative in Tokyo, who is a member of the Unit.