The key facts, figures, and policies behind Japan’s climate performance in 2009.
 | Japan's Emissions TrendsClick on the image to see Japan's emission trends since 1990 (Graphic: WWF/Allianz) |
Improvements since 1990
G8 Ranking: 6
-Past emission trend from 1990 to 2007: +8.2%
-Current (2007) distance to the Kyoto target: +15.1%-points
-Increase of the share of renewable energy sources: 0%-points
Current Status
G8 Ranking: 2
-Emissions per capita: 12 tons CO2*
-Emissions per GDP: 367 tons CO2 /M$*
-CO2 per kWh electricity: 516 grams CO2*
-Emissions in transport per capita: 1.9 tons CO2
*Adjusted as if electricity from nuclear power was generated from natural gas. Without adjustment: 9 tons CO2 per capita, 276 tons CO2 per GDP, 418 grams CO2 per kWh
Policies for the future
G8 Ranking: 5
- National emission target for 2020 of 15 percent below 2005 levels (8 percent below 1990) is incompatible with the 2 degrees Celsius warming safety limit
- Strong standards for ‘top runner’ (automatically improving) energy efficiency in electrical appliances, lighting, air conditioning, water heating, vehicles and fuel economy
- Target of –20 percent CO2 emissions per unit of output in 2010, but energy sector emissions have been increasing
- Very weak target on renewable energy, partial feed-in tariff under discussion
- Good development of public transport infrastructure and Intelligent Transport Systems
 | Animation: G8 Climate Scorecards 2009Click on the image to see the climate performance of the G8 countries (Animation: Allianz) |
Japan has relatively low emissions due to high levels of energy efficiency and its use of nuclear power, which WWF does not consider a viable option, due to its costs, environmental and safety reasons.
Japan’s emissions are calculated as if nuclear-generated electricity came from burning natural gas—the cleanest fossil fuel. Unlike France, this did not affect Japan’s overall ranking in the WWF/Allianz Climate Scorecards report.
Japan’s absolute emissions are rising and it is well short of its Kyoto target. No mandatory emission reduction policies have been implemented and the lack of such policies led to the relatively low rank of Japan. The recently announced emission target for 2020 is incompatible with the 2 degrees Celsius global warming safety threshold.
Japan has a long-term goal of reducing its emissions between 60 and 80 percent by 2050, still not enough to prevent dangerous global warming. National policy is weak apart from the longstanding focus on energy efficiency standards, particularly in the household, building, and transport sectors. Japan is experimenting with emissions trading and plans to promote carbon capture and storage. It strongly supports nuclear power and plans to increase nuclear generating capacity.
editor: James Tulloch
publishing date: July 1, 2009
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