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Japan’s Greenhouse Emissions Hit Record Low in FY2024

The pace still falls short of the path to Japan’s 2030 emissions target.

Smoke rises from a factory in front of Mount Fuji during the sunset at Keihin industrial zone in Kawasaki, Japan January 16, 2017. REUTERS/Toru Hanai

Overview

  • Government data show a 1.9% drop in fiscal 2024 to 1.046 billion tons of CO2 equivalent, marking a third straight annual decline and the lowest level since records began in 1990/91.
  • After factoring in forests and other natural sinks, net emissions were 994 million tons as sinks absorbed 52.3 million tons, which was 2.9% less than a year earlier.
  • Japan’s power mix shifted as renewables supplied 23.1% of generation and nuclear reached 9.4%, while thermal power fell to 67.5% split across coal, natural gas, and oil.
  • Industry posted a 2.5% emissions drop, transport 1.6%, and households 0.7%, while the commercial sector edged up 0.2%.
  • The fiscal 2024 level stands 24.9% below 2013. The net figure exceeded the annual plan by 15 million tons, prompting the environment minister to order stronger measures.