The government has started selecting environmentally friendly model cities as part of Japan's efforts to lead the world in cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Applications will be accepted until mid-May, officials said, and 10 model cities will be selected from across the nation by the end of June. The move is seen as Japan's environmental commitment ahead of the Group of Eight summit in July in Hokkaido, where Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda needs to take the initiative in working out ways to curb global warming. Municipalities selected as model cities will be eligible for subsidies that can finance their plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To be selected, applicant cities must have advanced, unique and effective long-term plans. They should also compile numerical targets for emission reductions for the next two to three decades. They must draft action plans that contain specific steps to be taken in the next five years.