N-2. GHG (Greenhouse Gas) Emissions per capita (per year)
1.Current Values
10.5 tons / person-year (FY 2003)
2.Current Points (out of a perfect score of 100 by 2050)
0 points
Calculation method:
(Current value minimum value) / (2050 target
value minimum value) x 100
3. Explanation of Indicator
In a sustainable society, the effects
of global warming and climate changes are kept
at a minimum. Japans current carbon dioxide
emissions are approximately 1.3 billion tons,
or about 5% of the worlds total (Japans
population is roughly 2% of the world total).
That is approximately 9.9 tons per person, which
is less than the United States (approx. 20 tons)
emissions, but a much higher level than China
(approx. 2 tons per person) or India (approx.
1 ton).
To hold overall emissions to within the limits
of what the ecosystem can absorb, it is essential
that there be a large-scale reduction in per-capita
emissions volume. Because there are other gasses
in addition to carbon dioxide emissions, such
as methane and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), that
cause a greenhouse effect, we have chosen as an
indicator the per capita emissions of GHG (per
year), including some of these other greenhouse
gasses.
4.Target for 2050
2.0 tons / person year
5.Ideal for the Future
2.0 tons / person year
6. Rationale for Ideal and Target Values
Calculations by research teams from
Japans National Institute for Environmental
Studies and the
Tokyo
Institute of Technology (published in March
2005) have shown that in order to check the increase
in air temperature to under 2 degrees Celsius
and stabilize the concentration of greenhouse
gasses at 1.3 times the current level, the total
emissions worldwide in 2050 must be less than
half of the 1990 levels. When pro rated in proportion
to the total population, Japan must reduce its
emissions by about 80% (980 million tons) to about
2.0 tons per capita.
7. Source
Calculations
based on Japanese Ministry of the Environment
Japans Greenhouse Gas Emissions(Japanese
only)
Related information:
Report
of Discussions on International Climate Change
Strategy, Ministry of the Environment
8. Notes
GHG emissions divided by annual population.
1990 used as the Kyoto Protocol baseline year.
However, 1995 is used for HFCs, PFCs, and SF6
values. EU is looking at a maximum 80% reduction
of 1990 levels for 2050.