Tokyo, April 14, 2026 — Japan’s net greenhouse gas emissions fell by 1.9% in the fiscal year ending March 2025, dropping to a record low of 994 million tonnes, according to government data.
This marks the first time emissions have fallen below one billion tonnes since 2013, reflecting a steady long-term decline supported by greater use of renewable and nuclear energy and reduced industrial energy consumption. Report AFP/BSS
In contrast, China—the world’s largest emitter—continues to see overall emissions growth, driven by coal-dependent industrial expansion, despite rapid renewable energy deployment.
Similarly, India’s emissions are rising steadily as energy demand grows to support economic development, with coal still dominating its power mix.
In Japan, fossil fuels still accounted for 67.5% of electricity generation, though this share has slightly declined. The country aims to reduce this to 30–40% over the next 15 years.
Japan has set targets to cut emissions by 46% by 2030, 60% by 2035, and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, placing it ahead of many Asian peers in terms of emission reduction trajectory.
However, recent global energy disruptions have prompted Tokyo to consider temporary increased use of coal-fired power plants, highlighting ongoing tensions between energy security and climate goals.
Net emissions are calculated after accounting for carbon absorbed by forests and other natural sinks.
