As temperatures rise in Japan and summer approaches rapidly, the impact of climate change is becoming increasingly evident. This year, cherry blossoms have bloomed unusually early, with the traditional chiffon-pink flowers appearing in mid-March.
On March 22, Osaka recorded a high of 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit), a record for that date, while Tottori reached 25.8 C (78 F), the highest temperature for March in 140 years. Typically, Tottori’s March temperatures are around 12 C (54 F).
As fossil fuel consumption continues to contribute to global warming, Japan is bracing for another hot summer and faces an escalating risk of flooding and landslides. The country is working to mitigate these risks through emission reductions, but immediate weather threats persist.
Yasuaki Hijioka from the National Institute for Environmental Studies emphasizes the pervasiveness of climate change impacts, stating that while individuals can try to avoid floods, escaping extreme heat is nearly impossible.
Record-breaking temperatures and increasing heat-related illnesses highlight Japan’s urgent need to adapt its infrastructure and energy systems to a warming climate.Japan, already vulnerable to natural disasters like earthquakes and typhoons, finds that its infrastructure, built for past climate conditions, struggles under current extremes. Kim Cobb of The Institute at Brown for Environment and Society highlights the need for modernizing energy and healthcare systems to cope with today’s climate challenges.
Last year, over 200 temperature records were shattered, pushing energy grids to their limits and leading to more than 71,000 hospitalizations for heatstroke, primarily among the elderly.
The increasing warmth also contributes to more frequent flooding and landslides, as evidenced by the 2019 Typhoon Hagibis disaster, which caused severe flooding and infrastructure damage.
In response, Japan is considering new measures like designating air-conditioned buildings as shelters during extreme heat and exploring flood management strategies.
Despite efforts to reduce fossil fuel use, Japan remains a top emitter and faces challenges transitioning to renewable energy. Critics argue for a faster shift to renewables over nuclear power, which, despite its low emissions, poses other concerns.
Japan’s ongoing struggle with climate adaptation reflects a broader need for urgent and comprehensive action to address the climate crisis.