The Japanese Ministry of the Environment announced the greenhouse gas emissions in 2009 was 4.1% below the 1990 emission level. (1990 is the base year of the emission reduction target under the Kyoto protocol for most countries including Japan.)
The amount of the greenhouse gases emitted during 2009 was 129 million tonnes, a decrease by 5.7% from the previous year. In 2007, Japan' s emission level was 9% above the 1990 level, so there has been a drastic decline since then.
The ministry says that recession was the main cause of the emission declines for two consecutive years.
Under the Kyoto Protocol, Japan must reduce its emissions to 6% below the 1990 level in the fiscal 2008-2012 period. While it seems a good sign that the emission level has declined to the level close to the Kyoto target, it is worrying that recession is the main reason. It is expected that the economy is turning to recover this year, which would then increase the greenhouse gas emissions. It is a great challenge for Japan to keep the emission levels low while boosting up its economy.
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