Japan’s greenhouse gas emissions reached a record low in fiscal year 2023, marking the second consecutive year of decline, according to a government report released on Friday. Total emissions for the year ending March 2024 amounted to 1.07 billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, a 4 percent reduction from fiscal 2022. This figure represents the lowest level since comparable data collection began in fiscal 1990.

The scorching sun is seen in Shizuoka's Aoi Ward on July 7, 2024.

The decrease was driven by a combination of factors, including a higher proportion of renewable and nuclear energy in power generation, which accounted for over 30 percent of Japan’s electricity production. Additionally, reduced energy consumption and lower industrial output contributed to the decline, as reported by officials from the Environment Ministry.

Japan is committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, factoring in carbon dioxide absorption by forests. The country has set interim targets to reduce emissions by 60 percent in fiscal 2035 and 73 percent in fiscal 2040, compared to fiscal 2013 levels. Emissions in fiscal 2023 were 27.1 percent lower than in fiscal 2013, indicating progress toward these goals, according to ministry officials.

In fiscal 2023, the manufacturing sector saw a 4.0 percent reduction in emissions, while household emissions dropped by 6.8 percent, likely influenced by a milder winter that reduced heating needs. These reductions reflect broader trends in energy efficiency and the adoption of cleaner energy sources across various sectors.

The ongoing shift toward renewable and nuclear energy, coupled with efforts to optimize energy use, underscores Japan’s dedication to sustainable development. The Environment Ministry emphasized that these achievements align with national strategies to balance economic activity with environmental responsibility.