Japan's greenhouse gas emissions fall to record low

April 14, 2026 / 12:11 PM

Sharjah24-WAM: Japan’s pace of reducing greenhouse gas emissions slowed in fiscal 2024, with total emissions equivalent to 994 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, exceeding its annual target by 15 million tonnes, according to the government.

According to Kyodo News, emissions through March 2025 were down 28.7 per cent compared with the fiscal 2013 baseline, marking the lowest level on record and falling below 1 billion tonnes for the first time.

Long-term net-zero targets

Japan aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with interim targets to reduce emissions by 60 per cent by fiscal 2035 and 73 per cent by fiscal 2040, compared with 2013 levels.

Decline in carbon absorption capacity

The rate of carbon absorption by terrestrial forest ecosystems slowed to 52.30 million tonnes in fiscal 2024, partly due to tree ageing.

Meanwhile, carbon capture by coastal and marine ecosystems remained largely unchanged at approximately 320,000 tonnes.

Balancing progress and challenges

While overall emissions have declined significantly over the past decade, the slowing rate of reduction and reduced absorption capacity highlight ongoing challenges in meeting long-term climate goals.