Carbon Wind Blowing from the Continent--Testimony of Yonaguni Island and Hateruma Island (2020s)

Carbon Wind Blowing from the Continent--Testimony of Yonaguni Island and Hateruma Island (2020s)

Even in the 2020s, carbon dioxide emissions from mainland China continue to have a significant impact on the atmosphere of Yonaguni Island and Hateruma Island, located at the westernmost tip of Japan. Yonaguni Island is only 111 kilometers from the Chinese mainland, and especially in winter, the monsoon winds from East Asia blow in from the mainland, making it easy for carbon dioxide emitted from China to reach the island directly. Therefore, the island's atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration is highly dependent on China's industrial activities.

In 2000, a global pandemic of a new coronavirus infection led to a widespread lockdown in China, and the suspension of industrial activity temporarily reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 32 percent. However, emissions recovered rapidly as the economy resumed, and by 22001, China's domestic coal-fired power plants were operating at full capacity. As a result, China's coal-derived carbon dioxide emissions reached 15.3 gigatons, exceeding the level of 2004, the largest year on record. In particular, the port of Nantong in Jiangsu Province saw an increase in coal transport and consumption, and a sharp increase in production in power generation and cement manufacturing.

Concentrations of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane transported by winds from the continent have been continuously observed on Yonaguni and Hateruma islands, and these data are important indicators for assessing fossil fuel emissions in China. Observations are essential for capturing the real-time impact of increases and decreases in industrial activity and fluctuations in electricity demand on carbon dioxide emissions. For example, it has been confirmed that during rapid economic recoveries and extreme weather events, carbon dioxide concentrations increase to record levels due to surges in coal consumption.

Thus, Yonaguni Island is becoming a frontline for understanding air pollution and greenhouse gas dynamics in East Asia.

Related Sources.

Observation data and carbon dioxide emission estimation method for Yonaguni Island and Hateruma Island
The National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES) has developed a method for real-time estimation of fossil fuel-derived carbon dioxide emissions in China based on observations of carbon dioxide and methane concentrations on Yonaguni and Hateruma islands.

Emission Estimation Methodology Using Carbon Dioxide and Methane Concentration Ratios
A method for estimating fossil fuel emissions has been established based on observations at Hateruma Island and Yonaguni Island.

Coal-Fired Power Generation and Carbon Dioxide Emissions in China
The construction of coal-fired power plants in China has been progressing rapidly, and the installed capacity of coal-fired power plants in China is now 20 times that of Japan. In addition, new coal-fired power plants are expected to be built in China in the next few years, with a capacity that is six times that of Japan.

Detailed Analysis of Energy Supply, Demand, and Emissions Trends in China
The report also details trends in coal production and consumption, as well as the introduction of renewable energy sources, which are expected to have a significant impact on future carbon dioxide emissions.