National Research and Development Agency National Institute for Environmental Studies
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Around 300m
Around 250m
Around 250m high
Observation of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases (National Institute for Environmental Studies)
Since March 2016, we have been observing greenhouse gases (CO2, methane, etc.) and related substances (carbon isotopes, oxygen, carbon monoxide, etc.) in the atmosphere at an altitude of approximately 250 meters.
It is expected that it will be possible to estimate CO2 emissions from Tokyo, the world's largest city, by source (whether it comes from plant respiration or from burning fossil fuels) and by fuel (natural gas or oil).
About the Research
As a measure against climate change such as global warming, the Paris Agreement adopted in 2015 agreed among countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions* to virtually zero by the middle of this century. Japan's total greenhouse gas emissions in fiscal 2018 were 1.24 billion tons (CO2 equivalent), and the country aims to reduce this to virtually zero by 2050.
As greenhouse gas emissions increase, the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere increases. Until now, observations of atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations have been conducted in "clean locations" far from emission sources. This is to understand "how much greenhouse gases are increasing" (an increase in clean locations means an increase globally) and "how much greenhouse gas absorption and emission occurs naturally." The National Institute for Environmental Studies also conducts atmospheric observations at locations such as Cape Ochishi in Hokkaido, Hateruma Island in Okinawa Prefecture, and the summit of Mt. Fuji.
On the other hand, the air observed at TOKYO SKYTREE contains more greenhouse gases emitted from the Tokyo metropolitan area. By analyzing these concentration fluctuations, the aim is to understand "how much greenhouse gas we are emitting through urban activities." Furthermore, as decarbonization progresses and greenhouse gas emissions from cities decrease significantly, this will manifest as a downward trend in atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations, so it is also expected to play a role in verifying the effectiveness of reductions.
Please also see the following explanation regarding greenhouse gas measurements at TOKYO SKYTREE(external site).
For more information on greenhouse gas observations by the National Institute for Environmental Studies, please see here (external site: National Institute for Environmental Studies, Center for Global Environmental Research website).
- Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, sulfur hexafluoride, etc. In Japan, 91.6% of greenhouse gas emissions are CO2, and 94.9% of CO2 emissions come from fuel combustion in power generation, automobiles, businesses, homes, etc. (Japan Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report 2020).
When you visit TOKYO SKYTREE, please remember that "the CO2 emitted from our daily lives is being observed here," and we hope you will become more aware of the current state of climate change and the need to reduce CO2 emissions. We would also be delighted if you become a good supporter of our greenhouse gas observation research.
My personal favorite is Sorakara-chan , the Official characters of TOKYO SKYTREE . The plush toys are nice, but the real thing is even cuter!
(Yukio Terao, National Institute for Environmental Studies)