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Carbon Footprint of Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan · Pop. 14.0 million · 2022 data
4.9tonnes CO₂eper capita
-42% vs Japan avg (8.5t)68.4 Mt total
Based on 2022 data from Tokyo Metropolitan Government / TMG Environment Bureau. Figures represent scope 1 and 2 emissions. Use our calculators for personal estimates.
Key Takeaway
Tokyo's excellent public transit keeps per-capita emissions well below the Japanese average, despite being the world's largest metropolitan economy.
450
gCO₂/kWh grid
20%
Renewable electricity
2050
Target: −100%
14.0M
Population
Emission Breakdown by Sector
How Tokyo's emissions are distributed across key sectors.
22%
40%
22%
10%
Transport22%
~15.0Mt CO₂e
Buildings40%
~27.4Mt CO₂e
Industry22%
~15.0Mt CO₂e
Waste10%
~6.8Mt CO₂e
Other6%
~4.1Mt CO₂e
Tokyo vs Japan National Average
Tokyo
4.9t
per capita
Japan avg
8.5t
per capita
Tokyo's per-capita emissions are 42% below the Japan national average of 8.5 tonnes. Key factors include urban density and public transit.
Electricity Grid Profile
Grid Carbon Intensity
450 gCO₂/kWh
High — significant fossil fuel dependence
Renewable Share
20%
Climate Target
Target Year
2050
Reduction Goal
100%
Tokyo aims to cut emissions by 100% by 2050, one of the most ambitious targets among major cities worldwide. Achieving this will require significant shifts in buildings and continued growth in renewable energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the carbon footprint of Tokyo?
Tokyo emits approximately 4.9 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per person per year (2022 data). The city's total emissions are around 68.4 million tonnes annually, with a population of 14.0 million.
How does Tokyo compare to the Japan national average?
Tokyo's per-capita emissions of 4.9t are 42% below the Japan national average of 8.5t per capita. This is partly due to factors like public transit, density, and cleaner energy.
What are Tokyo's biggest sources of emissions?
The largest emission source in Tokyo is buildings at 40% of total emissions, followed by other sectors. Transport accounts for 22%, buildings for 40%, and industry for 22%.
What are Tokyo's climate targets?
Tokyo has set a target to reduce emissions by 100% by 2050. The city's electricity grid currently has a carbon intensity of 450 gCO2/kWh, with 20% of electricity from renewable sources.
How clean is Tokyo's electricity grid?
Tokyo's grid is relatively carbon-intensive at 450 gCO2/kWh. Only 20% of electricity comes from renewable sources, indicating significant room for decarbonisation.
Data Sources
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government / TMG Environment Bureau (2022)
- C40 Cities Climate Data
- Our World in Data — CO₂ Emissions
Per-capita values depend on city boundary definitions and emission scoping methodology. Figures represent scope 1 and 2 emissions unless otherwise stated.
