November 11, 2008

Japan’s Emissions Almost 10% Above 1990 Levels

According to Japanese government data, the country’s CO2 emissions from energy production rose 2.7 percent last year, totaling 1.2 billion metric tons. Energy-related CO2 emissions account for nearly 90 percent of Japan’s overall GHG emissions. This means total emissions last year are expected rise 2 to 3 percent, putting the nation’s total emissions almost 10 percent above 1990 levels, Reuters reports.

Japan’s rebound in emissions last year underscores the challenge the government faces in meeting its target under the Kyoto Protocol climate pact. The pact calls for Japan to cut its emissions of CO2 and GHG to 6 percent below 1990 levels over the next four years.

Japan’s rise in emissions also threatens a global climate pact as developing nations are already questioning whether rich states will follow through their pledges to combat climate change. Yu Qingtai, China’s special representative for climate change, told Reuters in October that he is not optimistic about negotiations to seek a global treaty on climate change.

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