Japan's Greenhouse Gas Emissions Hit Record Low in FY2024

Tokyo, April 14 (CNA) Japan's Ministry of the Environment announced today that the country's total greenhouse gas emissions for fiscal year 2024 were 1.046 billion metric tons, a 1.9% decrease from the previous fiscal year, equivalent to 20.3 million metric tons, marking the lowest level since fiscal year 1990. Net emissions for the same fiscal year fell below 1 billion metric tons for the first time.

According to the Asahi Shimbun, the Ministry of the Environment stated that the reduction was primarily due to decreased manufacturing output, coupled with the fact that renewable energy and nuclear power accounted for over 30% of the electricity generation mix, indicating continued decarbonization efforts.

Forest absorption in fiscal year 2024 amounted to 52.3 million metric tons. When deducted from emissions, net emissions were approximately 994 million metric tons, not only falling below 1 billion metric tons for the first time but also representing a 28.7% reduction compared to the base year of fiscal year 2013, and a 1.9% reduction (18.8 million metric tons) from fiscal year 2023.

The Japanese government aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The Ministry of the Environment explained that "emissions are steadily decreasing" but also noted that "the pace of reduction has slowed slightly, and efforts to promote renewable energy and energy conservation measures will continue." (Compiled by Yang Wei-ching) 1150414