Japan's Greenhouse Gas Emissions Hit Record Low in FY2024
Japan's Ministry of the Environment announced on April 14, 2026, that the country's total greenhouse gas emissions for fiscal year 2024 were 1.046 billion metric tons, the lowest since fiscal year 1990. This represents a 1.9% reduction from the previous year. Net emissions, after accounting for absorption by forests, fell below 1 billion metric tons for the first time, reaching approximately 994 million metric tons. The reduction is attributed to decreased manufacturing output and over 30% of electricity coming from renewable and nuclear sources. The Japanese government aims for net-zero emissions by 2050.
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- 📰 Published: April 14, 2026 at 16:36
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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
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
FAQ
What were Japan's total greenhouse gas emissions in FY2024?
Japan's total greenhouse gas emissions in FY2024 were 1.046 billion metric tons.
When did Japan's net emissions first fall below 1 billion metric tons?
Japan's net emissions first fell below 1 billion metric tons in FY2024.
What are the main reasons for the reduction in Japan's greenhouse gas emissions?
The main reasons are decreased manufacturing output and over 30% of electricity coming from renewable and nuclear sources.