Environmental Sustainability
#23Key Findings
In the category of environmental sustainability, Japan performs relatively poorly (rank 23).
In 2021, the state set a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 46% by 2030, while reaching neutrality by 2050. However, the country’s commitment to achieving this goal is considered weak. Climate change strategy prioritizes economic growth, with a low carbon levy planned for introduction by 2028, and no clear criteria for decarbonization.
The government has promoted “clean coal” technologies, including hydrogen and ammonia derived from fossil fuels, that may increase emissions. Especially after the Fukushima nuclear crisis in 2011, which increased reliance on fossil fuels, the country has played only a passive role in international climate-change discussions.
Strong environmental protections have resulted in significant improvements in air, water and soil quality over the years. By 2020, Japan exceeded the Aichi Biodiversity Target, protecting over 20% of its land and 13% of its sea territory. The government aims to protect 30% of land and oceans by 2030.
In 2021, the state set a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 46% by 2030, while reaching neutrality by 2050. However, the country’s commitment to achieving this goal is considered weak. Climate change strategy prioritizes economic growth, with a low carbon levy planned for introduction by 2028, and no clear criteria for decarbonization.
The government has promoted “clean coal” technologies, including hydrogen and ammonia derived from fossil fuels, that may increase emissions. Especially after the Fukushima nuclear crisis in 2011, which increased reliance on fossil fuels, the country has played only a passive role in international climate-change discussions.
Strong environmental protections have resulted in significant improvements in air, water and soil quality over the years. By 2020, Japan exceeded the Aichi Biodiversity Target, protecting over 20% of its land and 13% of its sea territory. The government aims to protect 30% of land and oceans by 2030.
Graph View
Graph View
How committed is the government to the goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050?
10
9
9
The government is clearly committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
8
7
6
7
6
The government is largely committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
5
4
3
4
3
The government is only somewhat committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
2
1
1
The government is not at all committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
Despite some progress in formulating policies against global warming in recent years, Japan’s commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2050 remains weak. In 2023, Japan ranked 58th out of 67 countries in the 2024 Climate Change Performance Index, eight positions lower than before. In 2021, then-Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide declared the aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 46% by 2030 compared to 2013 levels and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 – a considerable increase from Japan’s previous target of a 26% reduction by 2030. During the G7 Summit in Hiroshima in May 2023, Japan agreed to refrain from constructing new coal power plants.
The Global Warming Countermeasure Plan, issued in October 2021 by the governmental Global Warming Prevention Headquarters, is supplemented by a long list of indicators and timelines that run up to 2030. Targets, divided among different ministries, include indicators such as the proportion of next-generation vehicles in new car sales or the number of LED road lights on national highways. The strategy is based mainly on reducing energy consumption, technological innovation and decarbonization. Monitoring of progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions is conducted annually by the government, without much involvement by independent climate councils. Lawsuits filed by climate activists, such as those against coal-fired power plants, are relatively rare and judges tend to treat climate problems as policy matters.
In February 2023, the Kishida cabinet published the Basic Policy for Realizing the GX: Green Transformation Policy. The document, containing 14 action plans, stipulates a 10-year strategic decarbonization roadmap, which includes a voluntary baseline-and-credit system, a mandatory emissions trading system and a carbon levy. The newly created GX Promotion Agency will be responsible for the management of a JPY 150 trillion decarbonization fund. However, the strategy focuses on promoting economic growth rather than countering global warming. The carbon levy is expected to be set at a low level and introduced as late as 2028. No clear criteria related to reduction of greenhouse gas emissions were formulated for distribution of public funds for decarbonization. Moreover, some “clean coal” technologies promoted by the government, such as the use of hydrogen and ammonia derived from fossil fuels, may even lead to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions.
The environmental performance criterion for procuring goods and services, including impact on climate, is obligatory for national government agencies and institutions, while local governments only have to make efforts to implement ecological solutions.
According to Climate Action Tracker rating from November 2023, Japan’s policy is insufficient to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. Moreover, Japan has blocked discussions on decarbonized transport and power systems in international fora such as the G7 or the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change. Such behavior calls into doubt Japan’s sincerity in tackling global warming.
Citations:
Climate Action Tracker. 2023. “Japan.” https://climateactiontracker.org/countries/japan/
Climate Change Performance Index. 2023. “Japan.” https://ccpi.org/country/jpn/
International Carbon Action Partnership. 2023. “Japan’s Cabinet Approves Policy Roadmap Including Plans for National ETS.” https://icapcarbonaction.com/en/news/japans-cabinet-approves-policy-roadmap-including-plans-national-ets
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. “GX Jitsugen ni muketa Kihon Hôshin – Kongo 10-nen o Misueta Rôdomappu” [Basic Policy for Realizing the GX – Roadmap for the next 10 years]. https://www.meti.go.jp/press/2022/02/20230210002/20230210002_1.pdf
Otake, Tomoko. 2023. “Climate litigation remains a tough sell in Japan despite wins overseas.” https://www.japantimes.co.jp/environment/2023/09/17/climate-change/japan-climate-litigation/
Prime Minister of Japan and His Cabinet. 2021. “Chikyû Ondanka Taisaku Keikaku” [Global Warming Countermeasure Plan]. https://www.kantei.go.jp/jp/singi/ondanka/kaisai/dai48/pdf/keikaku_honbun.pdf
Prime Minister of Japan and His Cabinet. 2021. “Chikyû Ondanka Taisaku Keikaku ni okeru Taisaku no Sakugen-ryô no Konkyo” [Basis for the Amount of Reduction in Measures in the Global Warming Countermeasure Plan]. https://www.kantei.go.jp/jp/singi/ondanka/kaisai/dai48/pdf/sankou.pdf
The Global Warming Countermeasure Plan, issued in October 2021 by the governmental Global Warming Prevention Headquarters, is supplemented by a long list of indicators and timelines that run up to 2030. Targets, divided among different ministries, include indicators such as the proportion of next-generation vehicles in new car sales or the number of LED road lights on national highways. The strategy is based mainly on reducing energy consumption, technological innovation and decarbonization. Monitoring of progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions is conducted annually by the government, without much involvement by independent climate councils. Lawsuits filed by climate activists, such as those against coal-fired power plants, are relatively rare and judges tend to treat climate problems as policy matters.
In February 2023, the Kishida cabinet published the Basic Policy for Realizing the GX: Green Transformation Policy. The document, containing 14 action plans, stipulates a 10-year strategic decarbonization roadmap, which includes a voluntary baseline-and-credit system, a mandatory emissions trading system and a carbon levy. The newly created GX Promotion Agency will be responsible for the management of a JPY 150 trillion decarbonization fund. However, the strategy focuses on promoting economic growth rather than countering global warming. The carbon levy is expected to be set at a low level and introduced as late as 2028. No clear criteria related to reduction of greenhouse gas emissions were formulated for distribution of public funds for decarbonization. Moreover, some “clean coal” technologies promoted by the government, such as the use of hydrogen and ammonia derived from fossil fuels, may even lead to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions.
The environmental performance criterion for procuring goods and services, including impact on climate, is obligatory for national government agencies and institutions, while local governments only have to make efforts to implement ecological solutions.
According to Climate Action Tracker rating from November 2023, Japan’s policy is insufficient to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. Moreover, Japan has blocked discussions on decarbonized transport and power systems in international fora such as the G7 or the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change. Such behavior calls into doubt Japan’s sincerity in tackling global warming.
Citations:
Climate Action Tracker. 2023. “Japan.” https://climateactiontracker.org/countries/japan/
Climate Change Performance Index. 2023. “Japan.” https://ccpi.org/country/jpn/
International Carbon Action Partnership. 2023. “Japan’s Cabinet Approves Policy Roadmap Including Plans for National ETS.” https://icapcarbonaction.com/en/news/japans-cabinet-approves-policy-roadmap-including-plans-national-ets
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. “GX Jitsugen ni muketa Kihon Hôshin – Kongo 10-nen o Misueta Rôdomappu” [Basic Policy for Realizing the GX – Roadmap for the next 10 years]. https://www.meti.go.jp/press/2022/02/20230210002/20230210002_1.pdf
Otake, Tomoko. 2023. “Climate litigation remains a tough sell in Japan despite wins overseas.” https://www.japantimes.co.jp/environment/2023/09/17/climate-change/japan-climate-litigation/
Prime Minister of Japan and His Cabinet. 2021. “Chikyû Ondanka Taisaku Keikaku” [Global Warming Countermeasure Plan]. https://www.kantei.go.jp/jp/singi/ondanka/kaisai/dai48/pdf/keikaku_honbun.pdf
Prime Minister of Japan and His Cabinet. 2021. “Chikyû Ondanka Taisaku Keikaku ni okeru Taisaku no Sakugen-ryô no Konkyo” [Basis for the Amount of Reduction in Measures in the Global Warming Countermeasure Plan]. https://www.kantei.go.jp/jp/singi/ondanka/kaisai/dai48/pdf/sankou.pdf
Graph View
How committed is the government to protecting the public from environmental health risks?
10
9
9
The government is clearly committed to the goal of protecting environmental health.
8
7
6
7
6
The government is largely committed to the goal of protecting environmental health.
5
4
3
4
3
The government is only somewhat committed to the goal of protecting environmental health.
2
1
1
The government is not at all committed to the goal of protecting environmental health.
After experiencing severe environmental pollution due to the country’s rapid industrialization in the 1960s, Japan introduced a range of environmental protection regulations, which led to a significant decrease in air, water and soil pollution. The 1993 Basic Act on the Environment defined the responsibilities of the central and local governments in preserving the natural environment. The Basic Environment Plan is reviewed every few years. It sets legally binding numerical environmental quality standards for air, noise, water and soil pollution, as well as waste disposal.
Coordination of implementing environmental strategies is conducted by the Ministry of the Environment and its Central Council for the Environment. The Fifth Basic Environment Plan from April 2018 formulated six comprehensive priority strategies: Formulation of a Green Economic System for Realizing Sustainable Production and Consumption, Improvement of Value of National Land as Stock, Sustainable Community Development Using Local Resources, Realization of a Healthy and Prosperous Life, Development and Dissemination of Technologies Supporting Sustainability, and Demonstration of Japan’s Leadership through International Contributions and Building Strategic Partnerships. While the strategies are accompanied by a range of detailed targets, such as restoring sound water circulation and promoting farming photovoltaics, the plan does not contain clear numerical indicators to measure progress.
The most controversial recent environmental decision by a Japanese government was the release of treated water from the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant into the ocean in August 2023. While the International Atomic Energy Agency announced that the water met international safety standards, according to some experts, it still posed certain health hazards. According to the Environmental Performance Index, Japan is one of the most advanced countries in the world when it comes to environmental health.
Citations:
Basic Act on the Environment. 1993, revised 2018. https://www.japaneselawtranslation.go.jp/en/laws/view/3850/en#je_ch2sc6at2
Ministry of the Environment. 2018. “Kihon Kankyô Keikaku” [Basic Environment Plan]. https://www.env.go.jp/content/900511404.pdf
Ministry of the Environment. 2018. “Outline of the Fifth Basic Environment Plan.” https://www.env.go.jp/content/000042333.pdf
Suzuki, Tatsujiro. 2023. “Why Japan should stop its Fukushima nuclear wastewater ocean release.” Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, September 22. https://thebulletin.org/2023/09/why-japan-should-stop-its-fukushima-nuclear-wastewater-ocean-release/
Wolf, M. J., Emerson, J. W., Esty, D. C., de Sherbinin, A., Wendling, Z. A., et al. 2022. “2022 Environmental Performance Index.” New Haven, CT: Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy. epi.yale.edu
Coordination of implementing environmental strategies is conducted by the Ministry of the Environment and its Central Council for the Environment. The Fifth Basic Environment Plan from April 2018 formulated six comprehensive priority strategies: Formulation of a Green Economic System for Realizing Sustainable Production and Consumption, Improvement of Value of National Land as Stock, Sustainable Community Development Using Local Resources, Realization of a Healthy and Prosperous Life, Development and Dissemination of Technologies Supporting Sustainability, and Demonstration of Japan’s Leadership through International Contributions and Building Strategic Partnerships. While the strategies are accompanied by a range of detailed targets, such as restoring sound water circulation and promoting farming photovoltaics, the plan does not contain clear numerical indicators to measure progress.
The most controversial recent environmental decision by a Japanese government was the release of treated water from the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant into the ocean in August 2023. While the International Atomic Energy Agency announced that the water met international safety standards, according to some experts, it still posed certain health hazards. According to the Environmental Performance Index, Japan is one of the most advanced countries in the world when it comes to environmental health.
Citations:
Basic Act on the Environment. 1993, revised 2018. https://www.japaneselawtranslation.go.jp/en/laws/view/3850/en#je_ch2sc6at2
Ministry of the Environment. 2018. “Kihon Kankyô Keikaku” [Basic Environment Plan]. https://www.env.go.jp/content/900511404.pdf
Ministry of the Environment. 2018. “Outline of the Fifth Basic Environment Plan.” https://www.env.go.jp/content/000042333.pdf
Suzuki, Tatsujiro. 2023. “Why Japan should stop its Fukushima nuclear wastewater ocean release.” Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, September 22. https://thebulletin.org/2023/09/why-japan-should-stop-its-fukushima-nuclear-wastewater-ocean-release/
Wolf, M. J., Emerson, J. W., Esty, D. C., de Sherbinin, A., Wendling, Z. A., et al. 2022. “2022 Environmental Performance Index.” New Haven, CT: Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy. epi.yale.edu
Graph View
How committed is the government to preserving ecosystems and protecting biodiversity?
10
9
9
The government is clearly committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
8
7
6
7
6
The government is largely committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
5
4
3
4
3
The government is only somewhat committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
2
1
1
The government is not at all committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
Japan is committed to implementing comprehensive policies that preserve biodiversity. By 2020, it managed to exceed the Aichi Biodiversity Target, preserving 20.5% of land and 13.3% of sea territory. The Kishida cabinet has declared its commitment to protecting 30% of land and oceans by 2030 – stipulated during the Conference of the Parties to the U.N. Convention on Biological Diversity in Montreal in December 2022.
In April 2022, the Ministry of the Environment issued the 30by30 Roadmap. The document contains numerical indicators, for example, certification of a minimum of 100 “other effective area-based conservation measures” (OECM) sites by the end of 2023 and doubling the area of marine parks in national parks by the end of 2030. The 30by30 Alliance for Biodiversity, a platform composed of public and private-sector organizations, was created to promote biodiversity goals. An important part of this initiative is the restoration of traditional ecosystems, such as Satoyama – landscapes that combine farmlands, irrigation, forests and wetlands.
While Japan has put much emphasis on meeting biodiversity standards, it still has to reconcile biodiversity goals with some major infrastructure projects. Public works, while less important than in the 1990s, still play a significant role in maintaining employment in rural and economically less developed regions. Critics have likened it to a concretization of the Japanese landscape, which has more to do with politics than public needs. The construction of a maglev train linking Tokyo and Osaka – which already has one of the fastest bullet train connections in the world – was delayed due to concerns over its impact on the ecosystem in Shizuoka Prefecture.
Citations:
Ministry of the Environment. 2022. “Japan’s 30by30 Roadmap.” https://policies.env.go.jp/nature/biodiversity/30by30alliance/documents/3030emap.pdf
Tokonami, Koichi. 2022. “JR Tokai, Shizuoka leader still at odds over maglev line plan.” The Asahi Shimbun, September 14. https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14718670
In April 2022, the Ministry of the Environment issued the 30by30 Roadmap. The document contains numerical indicators, for example, certification of a minimum of 100 “other effective area-based conservation measures” (OECM) sites by the end of 2023 and doubling the area of marine parks in national parks by the end of 2030. The 30by30 Alliance for Biodiversity, a platform composed of public and private-sector organizations, was created to promote biodiversity goals. An important part of this initiative is the restoration of traditional ecosystems, such as Satoyama – landscapes that combine farmlands, irrigation, forests and wetlands.
While Japan has put much emphasis on meeting biodiversity standards, it still has to reconcile biodiversity goals with some major infrastructure projects. Public works, while less important than in the 1990s, still play a significant role in maintaining employment in rural and economically less developed regions. Critics have likened it to a concretization of the Japanese landscape, which has more to do with politics than public needs. The construction of a maglev train linking Tokyo and Osaka – which already has one of the fastest bullet train connections in the world – was delayed due to concerns over its impact on the ecosystem in Shizuoka Prefecture.
Citations:
Ministry of the Environment. 2022. “Japan’s 30by30 Roadmap.” https://policies.env.go.jp/nature/biodiversity/30by30alliance/documents/3030emap.pdf
Tokonami, Koichi. 2022. “JR Tokai, Shizuoka leader still at odds over maglev line plan.” The Asahi Shimbun, September 14. https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14718670
Graph View
To what extent is the government committed and credible in designing and promoting global environmental protection regimes and policies?
10
9
9
Government policy and institutions are fully aligned with efforts to achieve global environmental sustainability.
8
7
6
7
6
Government policy and institutions are largely aligned with efforts to achieve global environmental sustainability.
5
4
3
4
3
Government policy and institutions are somewhat aligned with efforts to achieve global environmental sustainability.
2
1
1
Government policy and institutions are not at all aligned with efforts to achieve global environmental sustainability.
While Japan was a global leader in tackling global warming in the 1990s and hosted the Kyoto conference in 1997, it has remained largely passive since the beginning of the 21st century. Among other factors, withdrawal from actively promoting global climate policies was motivated by the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant crisis caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011, which led to an increase in Japan’s reliance on fossil fuels.
During COP28 in December 2023, Japan promised to create a new African Development Bank fund, and increase the World Bank and Asian Development Bank loan capacity by approximately $9 billion. On the other hand, Japan has blocked discussions on decarbonized transport and power systems in international fora such as the G7 and the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change. Instead, Japan has led the Asia Zero Emissions Community (AZEC) – hosting a summit in Tokyo in December 2023 – to promote “clean coal” technologies in ASEAN countries. This initiative met with protests from climate activists, who criticize it for prolonging the use of fossil fuels instead of promoting renewable energy sources.
Citations:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. 2023. “Development Cooperation Chart.” https://www.mofa.go.jp/files/100514705.pdf
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. 2023. “White Paper on Development Cooperation 2021: Japan’s International Cooperation.” https://www.mofa.go.jp/files/100497686.pdf
Siripala, Thisanka. 2023. “How Green Is Japan’s COP28 Commitment?” The Diplomat December 8. https://thediplomat.com/2023/12/how-green-is-japans-cop28-commitment/
During COP28 in December 2023, Japan promised to create a new African Development Bank fund, and increase the World Bank and Asian Development Bank loan capacity by approximately $9 billion. On the other hand, Japan has blocked discussions on decarbonized transport and power systems in international fora such as the G7 and the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change. Instead, Japan has led the Asia Zero Emissions Community (AZEC) – hosting a summit in Tokyo in December 2023 – to promote “clean coal” technologies in ASEAN countries. This initiative met with protests from climate activists, who criticize it for prolonging the use of fossil fuels instead of promoting renewable energy sources.
Citations:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. 2023. “Development Cooperation Chart.” https://www.mofa.go.jp/files/100514705.pdf
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. 2023. “White Paper on Development Cooperation 2021: Japan’s International Cooperation.” https://www.mofa.go.jp/files/100497686.pdf
Siripala, Thisanka. 2023. “How Green Is Japan’s COP28 Commitment?” The Diplomat December 8. https://thediplomat.com/2023/12/how-green-is-japans-cop28-commitment/