Decomposing Driving Forces of Carbon Emission Variation—A Structural Decomposition Analysis of Japan

Although it has been emphasized for years, there remains insufficient knowledge on how to decompose the driving forces of carbon emissions that fluctuate with time, especially when considering major natural or socio-economic events. To bridge gap, we use structural decomposition analysis method and select Japan a case study. The results show such events were followed by temporary emission increases due economic recovery, but general decreasing trend unchanged in long run. In Japan, during financial crisis period (2005–2011), increased production structure (136.2 Mt-CO2) consumption (61.8 Mt-CO2). However, intensity change per capita effect main offset this increasing trend, which reduced 209.7 Mt-CO2 total. After 2011 earthquake, significant gain upgraded led 78.2 reduction until 2015, partially 126.4 increase caused export volume. conclusion, although post-event recovery an emissions, continuously optimized are repressing rebound brought unexpected