Photo: JurriaanH · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Topic 07 of 18 · Country Index 2026
Japan: Environment & Sustainability
How much pressure does a country put on the natural world?
Japan is placed 161st of 186 countries on environment & sustainability in the Country Index 2026, from 4 of its 4 key statistics. Readings behind it: CO₂ Emissions per Capita 7.772 (2024); Water Stress 35.4 (2023).
Share
Environment & Sustainability
161st
of 186 countries placed
Placed from 4 of 4 key statistics
01The evidence
The 4 key statistics that decide it
Only these place Japan on environment & sustainability — one vote each. Every value is the publisher’s own, read at the edition the Country Index 2026 used; the grey ticks are every other country it was compared with, lowest on the left.
7.772
Fossil CO₂ (tonnes per person)
Lower is better
Japan: 7.772. Across the 210 countries in this edition, values run from 0.054 (DR Congo) to 41.27 (Qatar); the world median is 3.21.
- World median
- 3.21
- Best in Eastern Asia
- 1.467 Macau
Key 2 of 4
Water Stress
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
2023 edition · data for 2023 · CC BY 4.0
35.4
Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)
Lower is better
Japan: 35.4. Across the 177 countries in this edition, values run from 0.03 (Republic of the Congo) to 3,851 (Kuwait); the world median is 10.
- World median
- 10
- Best in Eastern Asia
- 4.97 Mongolia
Key 3 of 4
Organic Agricultural Area
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
2024 edition · data for 2024 · CC BY 4.0
0.48
Organic share of agricultural land (%)
Higher is better
Japan: 0.48. Across the 156 countries in this edition, values run from 0 (Afghanistan) to 86.38 (Samoa); the world median is 0.725.
- World median
- 0.725
- Best in Eastern Asia
- 2.61 Taiwan
3.936
Ecological Footprint (global hectares per person)
Lower is better
Japan: 3.936. Across the 126 countries in this edition, values run from 0.514 (Yemen) to 11.73 (Qatar); the world median is 2.296.
- World median
- 2.296
- Best in Eastern Asia
- 3.757 China
02Over time
Which way Japan is moving
Each key’s published value, edition by edition, beside the world median. The Country Index 2026 is the first edition of the standing, so the standing itself has no history to chart yet.
CO₂ Emissions per Capita
Fossil CO₂ (tonnes per person) · lower is better
JapanWorld median
Japan fell from 9.921 in 2000 to 7.772 in 2024; the world median went from 2.662 to 3.21.
Every year’s figures
Year Japan World median 2024 7.772 3.210 2023 7.935 3.145 2022 8.237 3.162 2021 8.422 3.087 2020 8.213 2.903 2019 8.698 3.273 2018 8.971 3.036 2017 9.321 3.049 2016 9.436 2.894 2015 9.585 2.846 2014 9.886 2.919 2013 10.271 2.779 2012 10.178 2.770 2011 9.846 2.748 2010 9.448 2.812 2009 9.051 2.799 2008 9.587 2.979 2007 10.141 2.593 2006 9.871 2.865 2005 10.057 2.885 2004 10.008 2.802 2003 10.056 2.918 2002 10.005 2.785 2001 9.790 2.726 2000 9.921 2.662 Water Stress
Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%) · lower is better
JapanWorld median
Japan fell from 41.56 in 2000 to 35.4 in 2023; the world median went from 10.07 to 10.
Every year’s figures
Year Japan World median 2023 35.4 10.000 2022 35.4 10.190 2021 36.1 10.460 2020 36.6 10.460 2019 36.1 10.890 2018 36.4 10.460 2017 36.5 10.460 2016 36.6 10.460 2015 36.7 10.190 2014 36.8 10.460 2013 36.9 10.460 2012 37.0 10.460 2011 37.1 10.460 2010 37.2 10.710 2009 37.3 10.960 2008 37.7 10.815 2007 38.1 11.180 2006 38.2 10.430 2005 38.4 10.250 2004 38.5 10.715 2003 38.7 10.370 2002 38.8 10.180 2001 40.2 10.130 2000 41.6 10.070 Organic Agricultural Area
Organic share of agricultural land (%) · higher is better
JapanWorld median
Japan rose from 0.13 in 2007 to 0.48 in 2024; the world median went from 0.37 to 0.725.
Every year’s figures
Year Japan World median 2024 0.48 0.725 2023 0.41 0.780 2022 0.33 0.740 2021 0.30 0.710 2020 0.26 0.665 2019 0.23 0.550 2018 0.23 0.490 2017 0.21 0.630 2016 0.21 0.545 2015 0.21 0.540 2014 0.22 0.470 2013 0.22 0.440 2012 0.22 0.480 2011 0.19 0.460 2010 0.18 0.330 2009 0.18 0.335 2008 0.18 0.290 2007 0.13 0.370 2006 — 0.305 2005 — 0.345 Ecological Footprint
Ecological Footprint (global hectares per person) · lower is better
JapanWorld median
Japan fell from 5.467 in 2000 to 3.936 in 2025; the world median went from 1.95 to 2.296.
Every year’s figures
Year Japan World median 2025 3.936 2.2963 2024 3.961 2.3139 2023 4.013 2.3174 2022 4.192 2.2724 2021 4.168 2.3370 2020 3.943 2.3057 2019 4.363 2.2578 2018 4.440 2.2485 2017 4.515 2.2209 2016 4.371 2.2308 2015 4.432 2.3000 2014 4.740 2.3814 2013 4.903 2.3363 2012 4.938 2.4200 2011 4.734 2.4794 2010 4.754 2.3679 2009 4.433 2.2224 2008 4.861 2.1727 2007 4.927 2.2036 2006 4.935 2.1203 2005 5.061 2.1512 2004 5.020 2.1055 2003 5.088 2.0449 2002 5.147 2.1195 2001 5.453 2.2004 2000 5.467 1.9499
03In context
Japan beside its neighbours
A position reads best beside the countries around it. Every position below is a place among all 186 countries on environment & sustainability, never a place within the region.
Japan and Eastern Asia
Japan has no land border, so the table compares it with its sub-region. Standing among all 186; the key columns are the publishers’ own values.
| Country | Standing | CO₂ Emissions per CapitaFossil CO₂ (tonnes per person) | Water StressFreshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%) | Organic Agricultural AreaOrganic share of agricultural land (%) | Ecological FootprintEcological Footprint (global hectares per person) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 North Korea | =121st | 2.36 | 27.74 | — | — |
 Taiwan | =143rd | 11.3 | — | 2.61 | — |
 Chinacompare | 157th | 8.658 | 41.59 | 0.92 | 3.757 |
| Japan | 161st | 7.772 | 35.4 | 0.48 | 3.936 |
 South Koreacompare | 170th | 11.29 | 85.22 | 2.42 | 5.106 |
 Mongolia | 176th | 12.86 | 4.97 | 0 | 7.527 |
 Hong Kong | not placed | 4.494 | — | — | — |
 Macau | not placed | 1.467 | — | — | — |
“—”: no published reading in that edition. What a standing is
Across Eastern Asia
Every country in the sub-region, by its place among all 186.
Placed either side on environment & sustainability
The countries immediately above and below Japan in the topic’s list.
04Context, no vote
Where Japan is ahead of the world, and behind
41 more statistics filed under environment & sustainability, published in full and deliberately given no vote in the standing. Select a row for the publisher, the rank and the links.
Ahead of the world median12
Statistics on which Japan does better than the middle country measured.
Progress Toward Productive and Sustainable Agriculture (SDG 2.4.1 Proxy)FAO · 2024 · world median 3.144.173.14No real change since 2015
Japan: 4.17 · world median 3.14 · Current status score, from 1 (worst) to 5 (best), averaged over up to seven sub-indicators. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 1.67 to 4.57; higher is better.
Position 15th of 186 · derived.
Planetary pressures-adjusted HDIUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · world median 0.6780.7850.678▲ Improved since 2013
Japan: 0.785 · world median 0.678 · PHDI (0–1). UNDP Human Development Report Office, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0.276 to 0.827; higher is better.
Position 14th of 156 · derived.
ND-GAIN Country IndexNotre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · 2024 · world median 47.4465.7247.44No real change since 2014
Japan: 65.72 · world median 47.44 · ND-GAIN Index (0–100, where 100 is best placed to adapt). Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 26.42 to 71.85; higher is better.
Ranked 17th of 190 by Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame.
Climate Vulnerability (ND-GAIN)Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · 2024 · world median 0.450.3530.45No real change since 2014
Japan: 0.353 · world median 0.45 · ND-GAIN Vulnerability (0–1, where 1 is the most vulnerable). Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.263 to 0.655; lower is better.
Ranked 29th of 190 by Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame.
Agricultural Emissions IntensityFAO · 2023 · world median 1.5650.851.565No real change since 2013
Japan: 0.85 · world median 1.565 · Greenhouse gases from farming per value of agricultural output (kg CO₂eq per international dollar). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 28.2; lower is better.
Position 150th of 190 · derived, 1st = worst.
World Energy Trilemma IndexWorld Energy Council · 2023 · world median 63.87563.8No earlier reading
Japan: 75 · world median 63.8 · Trilemma score (0–100). World Energy Council, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 27.7 to 83.2; higher is better.
Ranked 23rd of 99 by World Energy Council.
Water-Use EfficiencyFAO · 2023 · world median 16.159.3316.1No real change since 2013
Japan: 59.33 · world median 16.1 · Value added per cubic metre of freshwater withdrawn (constant US$ per m³). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0.38 to 1,378; higher is better.
Children's Climate Risk IndexUNICEF · 2020 · world median 54.55No earlier reading
Japan: 4.5 · world median 5 · Children's Climate Risk Index (0–10, higher is more risk). UNICEF, 2021 edition, data for 2020.
Published values in that edition run from 1 to 8.7; lower is better.
Ranked 94th of 163 by UNICEF (1st = worst).
Renewable Internal Freshwater Resources per CapitaFAO · 2022 · world median 2,5283,4372,528No real change since 2012
Japan: 3,437 · world median 2,528 · Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2022 edition, data for 2022.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 445,023; higher is better.
Position 77th of 181 · derived.
PM2.5 Air Pollution ExposureAtmospheric Composition Analysis Group, Washington University in St. Louis · 2023 · world median 14.4513.414.45▼ Worsened since 2013
Japan: 13.4 · world median 14.45 · Population-weighted PM2.5 concentration (µg/m³). Atmospheric Composition Analysis Group, Washington University in St. Louis, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 2.5 to 68.2; lower is better.
Position 118th of 220 · derived, 1st = worst.
Municipal Solid Waste GenerationWorld Bank Group · 2026 · world median 0.9660.8820.966No earlier reading
Japan: 0.882 · world median 0.966 · Municipal solid waste generated (kg per person per day). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2026.
Published values in that edition run from 0.058 to 4.176; lower is better.
Position 107th of 201 · derived, 1st = worst.
Forest Area within Legally Established Protected AreasFAO · 2025 · world median 18.1818.2818.18No real change since 2015
Japan: 18.28 · world median 18.18 · Forest within legally established protected areas, as a share of the country's 2015 forest area (%). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 100; higher is better.
Behind the world median5
Statistics on which Japan does worse than the middle country measured.
Energy Intensity of GDP (PPP)EIA · 2024 · world median 2.7382.9492.738▲ Improved since 2014
Japan: 2.949 · world median 2.738 · Energy use per dollar of GDP (thousand Btu per US$ at PPP). U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.666 to 17.45; lower is better.
Baseline Water Stress (Aqueduct)WRI · 2019 · world median 1.6631.9681.663No earlier reading
Japan: 1.968 · world median 1.663 · Baseline water stress score (0–5). World Resources Institute (WRI), 2023 edition, data for 2019.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 5; lower is better.
Annual Forest Area Change RateFAO · 2025 · world median 0-0.010▼ Worsened since 2015
Japan: -0.01 · world median 0 · Compound annual change in forest area over the interval ending that year (%). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from -3.29 to 12.3; higher is better.
Adjusted Net SavingsWorld Bank Group · 2021 · world median 8.3893.5518.389▼ Worsened since 2011
Japan: 3.551 · world median 8.389 · Adjusted net savings, including particulate emission damage (% of GNI). World Bank Group, 2021 edition, data for 2021.
Published values in that edition run from -81.62 to 32.18; higher is better.
Position 83rd of 118 · derived.
World Risk IndexInstitute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum · 2025 · world median 4.1724.814.17No real change since 2015
Japan: 24.81 · world median 4.17 · WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk). Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.18 to 46.56; lower is better.
Position 17th of 193 · derived, 1st = worst.
No better end24
These describe the shape of a country — more is not better or worse, only different — so they are never ahead or behind.
Solar Electricity Installed CapacityEIA · 2024 · world median 0.14491.610.144No real change since 2014
Japan: 91.61 · world median 0.144 · Solar generating capacity installed (gigawatts). U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 886.66.
Consumption-Based CO₂ EmissionsGlobal Carbon Project · 2023 · world median 12.79311.7612.79No real change since 2013
Japan: 311.76 · world median 12.79 · Consumption-based fossil CO₂ (million tonnes of carbon). Global Carbon Project, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0.882 to 2,963.
Operating Coal Power CapacityGlobal Energy Monitor · 2026 · world median 52552,860525No earlier reading
Japan: 52,860 · world median 525 · Coal-fired capacity in operation (megawatts). Global Energy Monitor, 2026 edition, data for 2026.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 1,263,101.
Fisheries and Aquaculture ProductionFAO · 2024 · world median 52,3753,334,04852,375No real change since 2014
Japan: 3,334,048 · world median 52,375 · Fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic animals caught or farmed, tonnes (live weight). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 70,500,841.
Agricultural Irrigated LandFAO · 2023 · world median 3.6632.33.66No earlier reading
Japan: 32.3 · world median 3.66 · Irrigated share of agricultural land (%). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0.003 to 89.04.
Position 8th of 121 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Forest AreaFAO · 2023 · world median 31.0868.431.08No real change since 2013
Japan: 68.4 · world median 31.08 · Forest area (% of land area). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 94.45.
Position 19th of 210 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Livestock DensityFAO · 2023 · world median 0.5351.960.535No real change since 2013
Japan: 1.96 · world median 0.535 · Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0.02 to 43.97.
Position 21st of 188 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Operating Wind Power CapacityGlobal Energy Monitor · 2026 · world median 1005,383100No earlier reading
Japan: 5,383 · world median 100 · Wind farm capacity in operation (megawatts). Global Energy Monitor, 2026 edition, data for 2026.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 542,758.
Population Living Below 5 m ElevationCenter for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN), Columbia University · 2015 · world median 2.95412.442.954No real change since 1990
Japan: 12.44 · world median 2.954 · Population living below 5 m elevation (% of total population). Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN), Columbia University, 2015 edition, data for 2015.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 78.48.
Pesticide Use per HectareFAO · 2024 · world median 1.7310.061.73Moved since 2014
Japan: 10.06 · world median 1.73 · Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 37.72.
Position 29th of 178 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Fertilizer Consumption per HectareFAO · 2023 · world median 87.36202.8487.36No real change since 2013
Japan: 202.84 · world median 87.36 · Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 2,926.
Position 34th of 188 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Methane EmissionsEDGAR · 2025 · world median 325.691,858325.69Moved since 2015
Japan: 1,858 · world median 325.69 · Methane emissions (gigagrams of CH₄). European Commission, Joint Research Centre (EDGAR), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.048 to 51,093.
Agricultural EmissionsFAO · 2023 · world median 8,63544,0508,635No real change since 2013
Japan: 44,050 · world median 8,635 · Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 1,044,508.
Position 38th of 193 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Tree Cover LossWorld Resources Institute — Global Forest Watch (data: University of Maryland) · 2025 · world median 3,77553,4683,775No real change since 2015
Japan: 53,468 · world median 3,775 · Tree cover loss (hectares, where canopy cover exceeded 30% in 2000). World Resources Institute — Global Forest Watch (data: University of Maryland), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 6,225,187.
Land Under Cereal ProductionFAO · 2023 · world median 689,2781,841,210689,278Moved since 2013
Japan: 1,841,210 · world median 689,278 · Land under cereal production (hectares). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 103,715,108.
Position 60th of 179 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Temperature Change on LandFAO · 2025 · world median 1.4741.8611.474Moved since 2015
Japan: 1.861 · world median 1.474 · Change in mean land-surface temperature against the country's own 1951–1980 average, °C. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.34 to 3.294.
Cropland Nitrogen BalanceFAO · 2023 · world median 37.6353.8637.63Moved since 2013
Japan: 53.86 · world median 37.63 · Nitrogen surplus (+) or deficit (−) on cropland, kg per hectare. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from -555.52 to 1,199.
Water Withdrawal by SectorFAO · 2022 · world median 62.1466.6762.14No real change since 2012
Japan: 66.67 · world median 62.14 · Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2022 edition, data for 2022.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 99.48.
Position 81st of 171 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Environmentally Related Tax RevenueOECD · 2024 · world median 1.0751.0771.075Moved since 2014
Japan: 1.077 · world median 1.075 · Environmentally related tax revenue (% of GDP). OECD, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 3.346.
Burned AreaGWIS · 2025 · world median 13,8247,25513,824Moved since 2015
Japan: 7,255 · world median 13,824 · Burned area (hectares). European Commission Joint Research Centre — Global Wildfire Information System (GWIS), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 50,562,035.
Mangrove AreaGlobal Mangrove Watch (Aberystwyth University, JAXA, soloEO, Wetlands International, The Nature Conservancy) · 2025 · world median 8,927946.598,927No real change since 2015
Japan: 946.59 · world median 8,927 · Mangrove forest area (hectares). Global Mangrove Watch (Aberystwyth University, JAXA, soloEO, Wetlands International, The Nature Conservancy), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.524 to 3,146,544.
Arable Land per PersonFAO · 2023 · world median 0.1090.0320.109No real change since 2013
Japan: 0.032 · world median 0.109 · Arable land (hectares per person). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 1.459.
Position 157th of 206 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2021 · world median 1.7080.0471.708Moved since 2011
Japan: 0.047 · world median 1.708 · Natural resources rents (% of GDP). World Bank Group, 2021 edition, data for 2021.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 61.03.
Position 157th of 180 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Agricultural LandFAO · 2023 · world median 37.9612.6437.96No real change since 2013
Japan: 12.64 · world median 37.96 · Agricultural land (% of land area). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0.445 to 86.48.
Position 171st of 209 · derived, counted from the highest value.
No current reading for Japan
Carbon Intensity of Electricity, Coal Share of Electricity Generation, Low-Carbon Share of Electricity Generation, Meat Supply per Person, Renewable Share of Electricity Generation, Solar Share of Electricity Generation, Tropical Moist Forest Deforestation and Wind and Solar Share of Electricity Generation. Listed rather than hidden, so the page can be checked against it.
“Position · derived” is this site’s ordering of the published values, 1st = best unless the row says otherwise; the publisher ranks no country on it. Rank, position and standing
05Country Index 2026
Environment & Sustainability among Japan’s 15 topics
Environment & Sustainability is Japan’s 15th best-placed topic of 15. Strongest first, each marker at its share of that topic’s field.
- Work & Labour2nd of 1824/4 keys
- Economy & Innovation2nd of 1764/4 keys
- Food & Agriculture5th of 1842/4 keys
- Health & Wellbeing7th of 2003/4 keys
- Digital & Technologyjoint 9th of 1984/4 keys
- Governance & Institutionsjoint 10th of 1944/4 keys
- Education & Knowledge13th of 1982/4 keys
- Peace & Security12th of 1774/4 keys
- Development & Human Capital18th of 1963/3 keys
- Mobility & Trade25th of 1774/4 keys
- Democracy & Civil Liberties28th of 1984/4 keys
- Risk & Resilience55th of 1934/4 keys
- Poverty & Inequality56th of 1593/3 keys
- Gender & Equalityjoint 116th of 1834/4 keys
- Environment & Sustainability161st of 1864/4 keys
No standing on Energy: too few of those topics’ key statistics are published for this country.
06The top of the list
Who leads on environment & sustainability
The three countries placed highest of 186, and the leaders Japan can most readily be measured against.
1
AngolaMiddle Africa
1st of 186 · 3 of 4 keys
Photo: Paulo César Santos derivative work: Jjtkk · CC0, greyscale
- 2
São Tomé and PríncipeMiddle Africa
2nd of 186 · 3 of 4 keys
3
Sierra LeoneWestern Africa
3rd of 186 · 4 of 4 keys
Photo: Annabel Symington derivative work: Jjtkk · CC BY 2.0, greyscale
Placed highest nearby
Highest in Asia
Palestine24th2/4 keysHighest in Eastern Asia
North Korea=121st2/4 keysThis page
Japan161st4/4 keys
Positions out of 186 placed on the topic. A country needs readings on enough keys to be placed, and the top of the list is often held on fewer of them.
07Questions
Japan on environment & sustainability: questions answered
Every answer is built from the numbers on this page, so none can say something the page does not.
How does Japan rank on environment & sustainability?
Japan is placed 161st of 186 countries on Environment & Sustainability in the Country Index 2026, from 4 of its 4 key statistics (CO₂ Emissions per Capita, Water Stress, Organic Agricultural Area and Ecological Footprint). The position is this site’s ordering of published statistics, not a rank any publisher printed.
What is the latest CO₂ Emissions per Capita figure for Japan?
7.772 in 2024 (fossil CO₂ (tonnes per person)), according to Global Carbon Project. The world median in the same edition was 3.21.
What is the latest Water Stress figure for Japan?
35.4 in 2023 (freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)), according to Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The world median in the same edition was 10.
How have Japan’s environment & sustainability figures changed?
CO₂ Emissions per Capita fell from 9.921 in 2000 to 7.772 in 2024; Water Stress fell from 41.56 in 2000 to 35.4 in 2023; Organic Agricultural Area rose from 0.13 in 2007 to 0.48 in 2024; Ecological Footprint fell from 5.467 in 2000 to 3.936 in 2025.
Which environment & sustainability statistics are missing for Japan?
No current reading is published for Japan on Carbon Intensity of Electricity, Coal Share of Electricity Generation, Low-Carbon Share of Electricity Generation, Meat Supply per Person, Renewable Share of Electricity Generation, Solar Share of Electricity Generation, Tropical Moist Forest Deforestation and Wind and Solar Share of Electricity Generation. They are listed rather than hidden, so the evidence on the page can be checked against it.
08Method
Method, sources and how to cite
What this topic does not measure
Air quality and biodiversity are not keys, because the site does not yet hold data for them that passes every test. Forest cover, farmland, farm emissions and the renewable share of electricity are published here as context. Exposure to natural hazards belongs to Risk & Resilience.
How the Environment & Sustainability standing is decided
A standing is this site’s ordering, named with its edition — never a publisher’s rank. 4 key statistics vote, one vote each; every country’s published value becomes a place within that key’s own field, the places are averaged, and the average is never published. A country needs 2 of the 4 keys to be placed.
The environment & sustainability method, step by stepHow every standing on this site is built
The key statistics and their licences
- CO₂ Emissions per Capita — Global Carbon Project, CC BY 4.0
- Water Stress — Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), CC BY 4.0
- Organic Agricultural Area — Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), CC BY 4.0
- Ecological Footprint — Global Footprint Network, CC BY-SA 4.0
The other 41 statistics on this page come from 18 publishers, each named beside its numbers, with every edition and licence on the datasets pages.
The standing itself is part of the Country Index 2026, published under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Photographs
Japan’s banner and the countries placed highest, from their profiles: Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale, each used under the licence named.
- Japan (banner) — JurriaanH, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Angola — Paulo César Santos derivative work: Jjtkk, CC0
- Sierra Leone — Annabel Symington derivative work: Jjtkk, CC BY 2.0
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry (2026). Japan: Environment & Sustainability — standing and statistics, Country Index 2026. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/japan/environment