Press Release
April 25, 2025
- Global Environment
Japan’s National Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Removals in FY 2023
The Ministry of the Environment and the National Institute for Environmental Studies have released Japan’s National Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Removals for fiscal year (FY)1 2023.
Japan’s national greenhouse gas emissions and removals for FY2023 were 1,017 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (Mt CO2 eq.), showing a 4.2% (44.9 Mt CO2 eq.) decrease compared to FY2022, and a 27.1% (378.1 Mt CO2 eq.) decrease compared to FY2013. The emissions and removals mark the lowest on record and continues the decreasing trend towards Japan’s target of achieving net zero by 2050.
The main factors for the decrease in emissions compared to FY2022 are considered to be the decarbonization of power sources (the combined share of renewable energy and nuclear power in the power source mix exceeds 30%) and a reduction in energy consumption due to decreased domestic production activity in the manufacturing sector.
F-gas emissions (HFCs, PFCs, SF6, and NF3) have further declined compared to 2022, when F-gas emissions turned to a decrease for the first time since their increasing trend began in 2009. Their emissions in 2023 were 37 Mt, which was a 3.9% (1.5Mt) decrease compared to 2022. Five years have passed since the revised Act on Rational Use and Proper Management of Fluorocarbons came into effect in 2019, and necessary revisions will be made considering the implementation status of the revised Act.
Regarding measures for forests and other carbon sinks, including blue carbon, the removals in FY2023 were 53.7 Mt, similar to those of the previous fiscal year (53.8 Mt in FY2022). These removals are equivalent to 14.2% of the reduction amount (378.1 Mt) from the FY2013 emission levels. Regarding offshore blue carbon initiatives, which are attracting high expectations as sinks, a promotion system through the collaboration of relevant ministries and agencies and public-private partnerships will be established, and considerations will be undertaken.
Regarding Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) technologies such as CO2-absorbing concrete, more technologies have been added to the list of CO2-absorbing concrete, etc, and the removals (CO2 fixation) in FY2023 were 121 tonnes (27 tonnes in FY2022). Consideration of J-credit accreditation for CO2-absorbing concrete will be further accelerated from FY2025.
April 25, 2025
Ministry of the Environment Government of Japan
Greenhouse Gas Inventory Office of Japan National Institute for Environmental Studies
Attached file: Japan’s National Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Removals in FY2023 <Executive Summary>
Japan’s national greenhouse gas emissions and removals for FY2023 were 1,017 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (Mt CO2 eq.), showing a 4.2% (44.9 Mt CO2 eq.) decrease compared to FY2022, and a 27.1% (378.1 Mt CO2 eq.) decrease compared to FY2013. The emissions and removals mark the lowest on record and continues the decreasing trend towards Japan’s target of achieving net zero by 2050.
The main factors for the decrease in emissions compared to FY2022 are considered to be the decarbonization of power sources (the combined share of renewable energy and nuclear power in the power source mix exceeds 30%) and a reduction in energy consumption due to decreased domestic production activity in the manufacturing sector.
F-gas emissions (HFCs, PFCs, SF6, and NF3) have further declined compared to 2022, when F-gas emissions turned to a decrease for the first time since their increasing trend began in 2009. Their emissions in 2023 were 37 Mt, which was a 3.9% (1.5Mt) decrease compared to 2022. Five years have passed since the revised Act on Rational Use and Proper Management of Fluorocarbons came into effect in 2019, and necessary revisions will be made considering the implementation status of the revised Act.
Regarding measures for forests and other carbon sinks, including blue carbon, the removals in FY2023 were 53.7 Mt, similar to those of the previous fiscal year (53.8 Mt in FY2022). These removals are equivalent to 14.2% of the reduction amount (378.1 Mt) from the FY2013 emission levels. Regarding offshore blue carbon initiatives, which are attracting high expectations as sinks, a promotion system through the collaboration of relevant ministries and agencies and public-private partnerships will be established, and considerations will be undertaken.
Regarding Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) technologies such as CO2-absorbing concrete, more technologies have been added to the list of CO2-absorbing concrete, etc, and the removals (CO2 fixation) in FY2023 were 121 tonnes (27 tonnes in FY2022). Consideration of J-credit accreditation for CO2-absorbing concrete will be further accelerated from FY2025.
- Footnote 1: Japan’s fiscal year runs from April 1 to March 31.
April 25, 2025
Ministry of the Environment Government of Japan
Greenhouse Gas Inventory Office of Japan National Institute for Environmental Studies
Attached file: Japan’s National Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Removals in FY2023 <Executive Summary>