Strategies To Reduce Air Pollution In Japan

Japan's air pollution poses a serious threat to public health, with over 42,000 deaths linked to air pollution in 2019. As a result, the country has implemented various measures to improve air quality, including tightening automobile emission regulations and promoting the use of low-emission vehicles. However, Japan's economy heavily relies on fossil fuels, which generate almost 85% of its energy consumption, leading to widespread combustion of coal, oil, and gas in power plants and vehicles. Transitioning to clean energy is crucial to improving air quality and mitigating climate change, but Japan's climate ambitions remain weak, with a lack of concrete GHG reduction targets.

Transition to clean energy sources

Japan's energy policy has historically been dominated by fossil fuels, with 77% of its electricity derived from imported fossil fuels. This has resulted in high electricity prices and significant carbon emissions, contributing to air pollution. To reduce air pollution, Japan must transition to clean energy sources, such as renewable energy options like solar, wind, hydropower, bioenergy, and geothermal power.

Japan has already made some progress in this area, with renewable energy consumption increasing from 10% to 20% over the past decade. As of 2021, Japan had installed 74 gigawatts (GW) of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity, and development of offshore wind power is underway, with 1.7 GW awarded in the first full-scale tender at the end of 2021.

To accelerate this transition, Japan should provide incentives for solar PV on roofs of factories, houses, and warehouses, as well as continue to expand commercial-scale solar PV. Different forms of renewables should also be prioritised, including onshore and offshore wind, small and medium-sized hydropower, bioenergy, and geothermal energy. Japan's grid system must become more flexible, with integrated operation of different transmission networks, digitalization of the distribution level, and policies that support these capabilities.

Additionally, Japan should continue to focus on the lifecycle management of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are potent short-lived climate pollutants used for cooling and refrigeration. Japan has stronger regulations on HFCs than most countries and is committed to ensuring their proper disposal and recycling. This is crucial as consumption of HFCs is expected to double by 2030, contributing significantly to global warming.

By transitioning to clean energy sources, Japan can reduce its air pollution, improve energy security, and unlock economic opportunities.

Reduce fossil fuel consumption

Fossil fuel combustion is the leading cause of air pollution in Japan, and transitioning to clean energy is crucial for improving air quality and public health. Japan's economy heavily relies on fossil fuels, which generate almost 85% of its energy consumption. Here are some measures to reduce fossil fuel consumption and mitigate air pollution in Japan:

Promote Clean and Renewable Energy Sources:

• Japan should focus on transitioning from coal, oil, and gas to clean and renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower. The country has abundant solar and offshore wind resources and can further invest in developing these industries.
• The Japanese government can offer incentives, subsidies, and tax benefits to encourage the adoption of renewable energy technologies by businesses and households.
• Japan can also invest in research and development of advanced renewable energy technologies, such as improved solar panels, wind turbines, and energy storage solutions.

Improve Energy Efficiency:

• Japan can implement energy efficiency measures in various sectors, including industry, transportation, and buildings. This includes improving insulation in buildings, using energy-efficient appliances, and promoting electric or hybrid vehicles.
• The country can also focus on waste-to-energy systems, as Japan already leads the world in the percentage of waste utilized in waste-to-energy facilities. Further optimizing these systems can help reduce fossil fuel consumption.

Phase Out Coal-Fired Power Plants:

• Japan is the world's fourth-largest producer of coal-fired electricity, with 92 operational coal-fired power plants. Phasing out these plants and replacing them with renewable energy sources can significantly reduce air pollution.
• The government can provide support and incentives for the retirement of coal-fired power plants and facilitate a just transition for workers in the coal industry.

Strengthen Regulations and Emission Standards:

• Japan can implement and enforce stricter emission standards for vehicles, power plants, and industrial facilities. This includes tightening regulations on sulphur oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions, which are major contributors to air pollution.
• The government can also promote the use of low-emission vehicles, such as electric or hydrogen-powered cars, and provide incentives for the adoption of these vehicles.

International Cooperation and Technology Transfer:

• Japan has been a leader in international initiatives to reduce short-lived climate pollutants, such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Continuing and expanding this leadership can help drive global efforts to reduce fossil fuel consumption and air pollution.
• Japan can also share its expertise in waste-to-energy technologies and support other countries, particularly in Asia, in developing similar systems.

Improve vehicle emissions standards

Improving vehicle emissions standards is a crucial step in reducing air pollution in Japan, a country heavily reliant on fossil fuels with a large number of vehicles on its roads. Here are some measures that can be taken to achieve this:

Transition to Electric Vehicles:

Electric vehicles are a key part of reducing vehicle emissions. They produce zero tailpipe emissions, which can significantly improve air quality, especially in highly populated urban areas. Japan has already begun encouraging the use of electric vehicles, and this push should be continued and strengthened. Incentives such as subsidies or tax breaks for those who purchase electric vehicles could be introduced, and infrastructure for charging stations could be further developed.

Stricter Emissions Regulations:

Japan's Minister for the Environment has the power to set allowable maximum emissions values for vehicles, and these standards should be made even stricter. This can be done by introducing more stringent regulations on particulate matter and greenhouse gas emissions, with a particular focus on heavy-duty trucks and buses, which tend to be high emitters. All new diesel vehicles in Japan are now equipped with diesel particulate filters, but this could be expanded to include other types of vehicles as well.

Promote Public Transportation, Walking, and Biking:

Encouraging a shift from private vehicles to public transportation, walking, or biking can significantly reduce vehicle emissions. This can be achieved through investments in and promotion of public transportation systems, as well as the development of more pedestrian and bicycle-friendly infrastructure. Making public transportation more accessible and affordable can also help incentivize people to leave their cars at home.

Regular Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection:

Implementing mandatory regular maintenance and inspection programs for vehicles can help ensure that they meet emissions standards and are running as cleanly as possible. This can include checking for proper tyre inflation, engine tune-ups, and regular oil changes to optimise fuel efficiency and minimise emissions.

Emission Reduction Technologies:

Japan can encourage the development and use of emission reduction technologies for vehicles. This includes technologies such as catalytic converters, selective catalytic reduction systems, and exhaust gas recirculation systems. These technologies can help reduce the release of harmful pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Phase Out Internal Combustion Engines:

Japan could set a target date after which the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles will be banned, encouraging a shift towards electric or other zero-emissions vehicles. This would be a more long-term strategy but could have a significant impact on reducing vehicle emissions in the country.

These measures all focus on improving vehicle emissions standards in Japan and would play a crucial role in reducing the country's air pollution, protecting the health and well-being of its citizens.

Implement anti-pollution measures

• Japan should transition to clean energy sources to reduce air pollution and mitigate climate change. This includes adopting renewable energy sources and reducing the use of fossil fuels, particularly coal, oil, and gas, which are major contributors to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Strengthen regulations and enforce stricter emission standards for vehicles, heavy-duty trucks, and buses. This includes promoting the use of electric vehicles and low-emission vehicles, as well as improving fuel efficiency standards.
• Improve industrial production activities by reducing emissions from factories and power plants. This can be achieved through the use of dust collectors, smoke exhaust systems, and advanced technologies such as desulphurisation and flue gas denitrification.
• Address vehicular emissions by encouraging the use of public transportation, walking, or biking instead of private cars. This will help reduce traffic congestion and lower pollution levels, especially in highly populated urban areas.
• Collaborate with international initiatives and organisations, such as the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), to gain access to resources and expertise for managing air pollution. This includes participating in global efforts to reduce short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) and promoting energy efficiency.
• Promote waste management and recycling practices to reduce waste-related air pollution. Japan has made significant progress in this area, with a high percentage of waste utilised in waste-to-energy facilities, and can further encourage the use of renewable energy sources.

Promote energy efficiency

Japan has been a Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) Partner since 2012 and has established itself as a global leader in advocating for short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) reductions. As part of this, Japan has demonstrated a commitment to pursuing energy efficiency as a key strategy for combating these lethal super pollutants.

• Lifecycle management of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs): HFCs are powerful short-lived climate pollutants used primarily for cooling and refrigeration. Japan has stronger regulations on HFCs than most countries and has demonstrated a strategic commitment to managing their entire lifecycle. This includes ensuring proper disposal and recycling, especially through the Initiative on Fluorocarbon Lifecycle Management. By focusing on the production, use, and end-of-life stages of HFCs, Japan can reduce the release of these harmful substances.
• Reducing methane emissions from rice cultivation: Japan is working to reduce methane emissions associated with rice cultivation. One method is by promoting soil preparation techniques that involve applying rice straw compost instead of plowing it into the soil, which has a higher methane emission factor. This initiative is being implemented both domestically and in other countries, such as Vietnam.
• Improving fuel efficiency standards: Japan introduced new fuel efficiency standards for small cargo vehicles in 2015, making them 26% more fuel-efficient than in 2012. Additionally, more accurate methods for testing fuel efficiency were implemented, along with improved inspection and maintenance of vehicles to reduce Black Carbon emissions.
• Encouraging the use of electric vehicles: Japan is promoting the use of electric vehicles, which emit fewer pollutants and carbon dioxide than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. By incentivising and subsidising the transition to electric vehicles, Japan can further reduce air pollution from the transportation sector.
• Energy-efficient appliances: Japan's Top Runner Program, introduced in 1999, sets energy efficiency standards for energy-intensive products like home appliances and vehicles. By mandating higher efficiency standards, Japan can reduce the energy consumption and associated emissions of these products.
• Waste-to-energy initiatives: Japan leads the world in the percentage of waste utilised in waste-to-energy facilities, burning 74.2% of its municipal solid waste for energy recovery. This not only reduces waste but also generates clean energy. Japan is looking to export this technology and expertise to other countries to promote energy efficiency globally.
• Renewable energy sources: Transitioning to renewable energy sources is crucial for reducing air pollution. Japan has abundant solar and offshore wind resources and can further invest in these clean energy alternatives to decrease its reliance on fossil fuels.

By implementing and expanding upon these initiatives, Japan can effectively promote energy efficiency to reduce air pollution and improve the health and well-being of its citizens.

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