Monitoring of Greenhouse Gases
NIES monitors the temporal change and spatial distribution of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere to reveal the amount and distribution of carbon sources and sinks.
This website provides information on observations which have been conducted by NIES and other collaborators for greenhouse gases, air pollutants, and related parameters in the Asia-Pacific region. Observations based on ground stations are categorized into atmosphere monitoring and ecosystem monitoring. Users can easily obtain information on observation sites by selecting observation parameters of their interest or by designating an observation area on the map. For aircraft and ship observations, the annual flight and cruise tracks are provided on this website. The main goals of this site are to promote the effective utilization of observational data and to promote international joint research.
A project to monitor the long-term trend of greenhouse gasses (GHGs) at Hateruma station in Okinawa and Cape Ochi-ishi station in Hokkaido. GHGs at these stations are thought to be less affected by human activities. Monitoring is ongoing.
CGER is conducting sampling of the atmosphere in Siberia using aircraft since 1993. In Berezorechka, CGER began on-site measurements of the vertical distribution of CO2 concentrations using aircraft in 2001. CGER also established a monitoring tower network in Siberia and has been conducting continuous monitoring of the atmosphere since 2001.
A project on carbon flux (absorption/emission) in north Pacific. With the support of shipping lines, the observation equipments has been installed in their ships and continuing measurements since 1992.
The CONTRAIL (Comprehensive Observation Network for TRace gases by AIrLiner) project started in 2005 as the world's first project to continuously observe greenhouse gases using commercial airlines with the cooperation of the Meteorological Research Institute, Japan Airlines, JAMCO, and the JAL Foundation. This project concentrates on observations using Continuous CO2 Measuring Equipment (CME) and Automatic air Sampling Equipment (ASE) installed on commercial airlines in order to clarify the spatial distribution and interannual variability of global greenhouse gases.
GOSAT is the world's first satellite designed specifically to monitor greenhouse gases from space. The satellite has continued to fulfill its main mission in monitoring atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) concentrations from space to improve the accuracy of sink/source estimates, since its launch on January 23, 2009. Information of the GOSAT Project, related news, and the GOSAT data products are described and provided via this website and a linked website.
The website of NIES GOSAT-2 Project. GOSAT-2 is a follow-on satellite of GOSAT(Greenhouse gases Observation SATellite) jointly developed by Ministry of the Environment, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, and NIES and launched on October 29, 2018. NIES GOSAT-2 Project is mainly responsible for the generation, distribution, and validation of GOSAT-2 higher level products.
Carbon Sinks and Sources
NIES is conducting various projects to determine carbon dioxide sinks and estimate carbon fluxes.
A project aimed at the assessment of carbon clance related functions of forest ecosystem, and validation and evaluation of observational methods. Since 2000, quantitative observations of various functions of forest ecosystem, such as carbon balance measurement using eddy correlation method at larch forests in Tomakomai, Hokkaido, have been conducted.
GIO was established in July 2002 in the Center for Global Environmental Research (CGER), the National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES). "National GHGs Inventory Report of JAPAN (NIR)"and "GHGs Emissions Data of Japan", both of which are published annually, and the information and reports for the "Workshop on Greenhouse Gas Inventories in Asia (WGIA)" are available and posted on this GIO website.
National GHGs Inventory Report of JAPAN (NIR), Greenhouse Gas Inventories submitted to UNFCCC by Government of Japan. These data are based on the greenhouse gas inventory submitted from Japanese Government to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
This dataset (ODIAC CO2 emission dataset) indicates global distributions of man-made CO2 emissions due to fossil fuel (coal, oil and gas) combustion at 1x1km spatial resolution. The emission spatial distributions are estimated using an emission model that utilizes information from a power plant database and satellite-observed nighttime lights. The emission estimates are updated on annual basis using the latest fuel statistical data. In addition to the dataset in the native 1x1km resolution (in binary format), the 1x1 degree resolution version of the dataset (in netCDF) is also available.
Stations network to conduct long term continual observation of carbon dioxide, steam, and the thermal energy exchanged between the ecosystem and the atmosphere using micromoeteological technique. This network established at 1999. There are administration office in Japan (National Institute for Environmental Studies), Korea (Yonsei University) and china (Chinese Academy of Sciences). These office conducts some activities like the spread of observation technologies and the provision of data. NIES does not control this website.
Portal site for carbon sinks by forest. This site provide international system database, geospatial information database, international statistics, and international research.
A system for storing and analyzing geospatial data related to the studies of terrestrial carbon sink (residual terrestrial uptake). The system includes web-based tools for comparative studies of carbon cycle models and serves as a platform for regular evaluation of the state of the art in carbon cycle modelling and for development of consensual knowledge on carbon sequestration rate provided by the global terrestrial vegetation.
The Collection of Data in CGER Report
A report of an international workshop "Research trend on scientific estimation about carbon sink function of terrestrial ecosystem" which was held in August, 2001, in Tokyo Japan. Japanese only.
CGER Report, ISSN1341-4356, CGER-D030-2001
CGER Report, ISSN1341-4356, CGER-D030-2001
Bonn Agreement and Its Political Implication (in Japanese)
A report which summarizes negotiation processes, political implications, problems, and future prospects of carbon sink related issues in Bonn Agreement. This agreement determined the framework of operational procedures of Kyoto Protocol. Japanese only.
CGER Report, ISSN1341-4356, CGER-D029-2001
CGER Report, ISSN1341-4356, CGER-D029-2001
Institutional Dimension of Global Environmental Change, Carbon Management Research Activity
A publication which summarizes a initial planning meeting of the Carbon Management Research Activity (CMRA) hosted by Institutional Dimensions of Global Environmental Change (IDGEC), held on May 29-30, 2000, in Tokyo, Japan.
CGER Report, ISSN1341-4356, CGER-D028-2001
CGER Report, ISSN1341-4356, CGER-D028-2001
International trend in Carbon Sink Projecs on Kyoto Protocol (in Japanese)
A publication which includes the basic understanding on carbon sink projects, and international trend/discussion and activities of major organizations related to "Clean Development Mechanism/Joint Implementation" in forestery and land use. Japanese only.
CGER Report, ISSN1341-4356, CGER-D027-2000
CGER Report, ISSN1341-4356, CGER-D027-2000
Impact Assessment and Countermeasures
NIES predicts sea level rise and makes countermeasures against this problem.
The vulnerability of alpine ecosystems to climate change, as pointed out by IPCC, and the necessity to conduct monitoring in the alpine zone have been recognized worldwide. We are, therefore, monitoring the ecosystems in the Japanese alpine zone by using digital repeat photography in order to understand the snow cover period and the phenology of the alpine plants.
The "Climate Change Adaptation Information Platform (A-PLAT)" aims at being a basis for adaptation actions of local governments, businesses, and citizens. In cooperation with relevant ministries and agencies, it provides information for meeting users' needs; develops and furnishes tools to promote adaptation actions; and collects, organizes, and provides the best practices.
The National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES) is hosting one of the two International Project Offices for the GCP. The Tsukuba office consists of an Executive Director and a team that includes a post-doc researcher, a program coordinator/communicator, and administrative support.
A database collecting a number of greenhouse gas emissions scenarios. This database contains the past IPCC reports, such as SRES (Special Report on Emissions Scenarios), TAR (Third Assessment Report) and AR4 (Fourth Assessment Report) as well as other many non-IPCC scenarios.
The Collection of Data in CGER Report
Report of the International Workshop on Climate Change and Wetland Conservation (in Japanese)
A report of at "A International Workshop on Climate Change and Wetland Conservation" hosted by NIES at Kushiro, Hokkaido, Japan in September 2001.
CGER Report, ISSN1341-4356, CGER-D032-2002
CGER Report, ISSN1341-4356, CGER-D032-2002
Data Book of Sea-Level Rise 2000
A publication which explains prediction, impacts to coastal regions, environmental risk assessment/country studies, international programs, and mitigation/adaptation policies of sea level rise problems for general public. Both Japanese and English description are included.
CGER Report, ISSN1341-4356, CGER-D025-2000
CGER Report, ISSN1341-4356, CGER-D025-2000
Stratospheric Ozone and Ultraviolet Radiation
NIES monitors stratospheric ozone and ultraviolet radiation.
A network of harmful ultraviolet rays observation (ultraviolet B: 280-315nm) conducted by various organizations in Japan. This network aims to show nation-wide distributions of the intensity of UVB which reach to the Earth's surface. The observation data is utilized in health effects estimation of ultraviolet radiation exposure.
Providing near real time information on erythemal UV-B radiation and Vitamin-D synthesis UV-B radiation at five Japanese sites, Cape Ochiishi and Rikubetsu in Hokkaido, Cape Hedo and Hateruma in Okinawa, and at Tsukuba in Ibaraki.
A forecast system for polar vortex in the stratosphere based on meteorological prediction data provided by US National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP).
This database contains the vertical profiles of minor atmospheric constituents such as ozone in the polar stratosphere observed by ILAS, a sensor that was installed onboard the ADEOS earth observation satellite. ILAS-II is the successor of ILAS. Observations were conducted in 1996-97 by ILAS and 2003 by ILAS-II.
A project to stratospheric ozone in Tsukuba to monitor its vertical distribution precisely. The observation at night in clear sky were conducted from 1988 to 2004.
A project to observe total density and vertical distribution of ozone and minor atmospheric components which is related to ozone depletion to reveal ozone depletion in the stratosphere. NIES is monitoring the stratospheric ozone layer over Hokkaido in collaboration with the Solar-Terrestrial Environment Laboratory (STEL), now the Institute for Space-Earth Environmental Research (ISEE), Nagoya University since October 1997.
Atmospheric Pollution and Acid Rain
NIES is conducting studies on atmospheric pollution and acid rain.
Distribution of observation data on acid rain in Japan conducted by Environmental Laboratories Association from FY 1991. (in Japanese)
Tsukuba Air Quality Monitoring Data
A database which contains NOx (nitrogen oxides), SOx (sulfur oxides) and PM (particulate matters) emission factors for stationary sources in Japan, and was developed at the Research Center for Material Cycles and Waste Management. (in Japanese)
An emission inventory database (0.5-degree grid) for the analysis of trans-boundary atmospheric pollution in the northern hemisphere.
A project on preparation of regional emission inventories of atmospheric pollutants. Inventories of China, India, and Korea in 1990, 1995, and 2000 are already completed.
The Collection of Data in CGER Report
1991-1995 data collections of airborne and intensive ground observations for studies of dynamics of acid and oxidising materials in east Asia. CD-ROM. Japanese only.
CGER Report, ISSN1341-4356, CGER-D018(CD)-1997
CGER Report, ISSN1341-4356, CGER-D018(CD)-1997
Data of IGAC/APARE/PEACAMPOT II Aircraft and Ground-based Observations ('96-'98 collective Volume)
1996-1998 data collections of airborne and intensive ground observations for studies of dynamics of acid and oxidising materials in east Asia. CD-ROM.
CGER Report, ISSN1341-4356, D026(CD)-2000
CGER Report, ISSN1341-4356, D026(CD)-2000
A publication of results from airborne and intensive ground observations in PEACAMPOT project to study the effects of the continental air parcel in east Asia on tropospheric air on Pacific Ocean. Japanese only.
CGER Report, ISSN1341-4356, CGER-D010-1996
CGER Report, ISSN1341-4356, CGER-D010-1996
A publication of results from airborne and intensive ground observations in PEACAMPOT project to study the effects of the continental air parcel in east Asia on tropospheric air on Pacific Ocean. Japanese only.
CGER Report, ISSN1341-4356, CGER-D011-1996
CGER Report, ISSN1341-4356, CGER-D011-1996
Supply Chain
NIES provides information on resource use and associated environmental burden through the supply chain of socio-economic activities.
A publication and website to contain "embodied energy and emission intensity data" for Japan derived from Japanese input-output tables. (in Japanese)
A project for development of a database on flows of emission gases, waste fluid, and solid waste in production and consumption of goods and services with economic activities. (in Japanese)
The Collection of Data in CGER Report
Material Flow Data Book "World Resource Flows around Japan" (in Japanese)
A publication of the material flow data, with maps and tables, which mainly summarizes "import" of national resources from the world to Japan. Japanese only.
CGER Report, ISSN1341-4356, CGER-D022-2001
CGER Report, ISSN1341-4356, CGER-D022-2001
Material Flow Data Book "World Resource Flows around Japan" -Second edition-
A publication of the material flow data, with maps and tables, which mainly summarizes "import" of national resources from the world to Japan. Second edition. Both Japanese and English descriptions are included. Several figures and tables are provided in the attached CD-ROM.
CGER Report, ISSN1341-4356, CGER-D033-2001
CGER Report, ISSN1341-4356, CGER-D033-2001
Material Flow Data Book "World Resource Flows around Japan" -Third Edition-
A publication of the material flow data, with maps and tables, which mainly summarizes "import" of national resources from the world to Japan. Third edition. Both Japanese and English descriptions are included. Several figures and tables are provided in the attached CD-ROM.
CGER Report, ISSN1341-4356, CGER-D040-2006
CGER Report, ISSN1341-4356, CGER-D040-2006
Data Book: Material and Carbon Flow of Harvested Wood in Japan
A publication which summarizes material and carbon flows of wooden resource. Both Japanese and English descriptions are included.
CGER Report, ISSN1341-4356, CGER-D034-2004
CGER Report, ISSN1341-4356, CGER-D034-2004
Carbon dioxide emission intensity based on the Input-Output Analysis
A publication which summarizes carbon dioxide emission intensities classified by industrial sectors through the evaluation research of mitigation technologies for global warming. The attached CD-ROM contains intensity data.
CGER Report, ISSN1341-4356, CGER-D016-1997
CGER Report, ISSN1341-4356, CGER-D016-1997
Water Environment
NIES is conducting various projects on water environmental pollutants related to human activity.
Japan's National Focal Point of the United Nations Global Environment Monitoring System (GEMS) Water Programme, which provides global freshwater quality data. The Focal Point Office is located in Center for Environmental Biology and Ecosystem Studies, NIES. (in Japanese)
Database providing water quality and aquatic organisms data of Lake Kasumigaura, which has been monitored for nearly 40 years since the establishment of NIES. A list of researchers, a chronology and a bibliography of the Lake Kasumigaura Long-term Environmental Monitoring program are also provided.
Meteorological and other data (surface air temperature, humidity, wind direction, wind velocity, and solar irradiance) measured at Lake Kasumigaura Water Research Station, NIES. (in Japanese)
A long-term monitoing data on water temperature, planktons, photons and low-level chemical substances of Lake Mashu in Hokkaido. (in Japanese)
The global water resources model H08 is a distributed hydrological model designed for global application. The model enables us to simulate not only natural terrestrial hydrological cycle but also major human activities at high spatial and temporal resolutions. Source code, manuals, and meteorological input data of H08 are available.
For resolving water-related issues which are recently being noticed globally, comprehensive researches in natural and social sciences from global to regional scales, as well as managements and countermeasures based on these researches are required. Global Drainage Basin Database was developed to support these researches. GIS files for Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, and North/South America and a users' guide can be downloaded from this site. No future update is planned.
Biology, Ecosystems
NIES is conducting biological and ecological projects to monitor the global environment.
An ecological observation database managed by JaLTER in order to facilitate long-term ecological researches. Observation datasets in the database, provided by JaLTER sites, are available for non-commercial use.
LUIS (Land-Use Information System) displays the historical changes in land use in Japan between 1850-1985. The Image data and search Web application are provided and released. (in Japanese)
The spatial resolution of the global land cover is 30 arc degree in latitude and longitude, and datum of the map is WGS84. This global land cover map is created by integration of existing maps and ground truth data and improved the accuracy by decreasing the classification categories to 6.
A project on monitoring vegetation and land cover in East Asia region where various kinds of forests of tropical to sub-arctic climate zones exist using AVHRR sensors onboard US NOAA satellite series. Monthly vegetation index mosaics for the Asian region in 1996 and 1997 are being distributed via CD-ROMs and network. No future update is planned.
The Collection of Data in CGER Report
Database of terrestrial ecosystem in tropics (in Japanese)
A publication which summarize spatial distributions of diameter at breast height of each tree species, with maps and tables, at three plots at Pasoh (Malaysia), Huai Kha (Thai) and Sinharaja (Sri Lanka). It privides fundamental data for the studies of the mechanism to sustain the biodiversity in tropical forests and their carbon stock fuctions, and development of indices towards sustainable management of tropical ecosystem. Japanese only.
CGER Report, ISSN1341-4356, CGER-D037-2006
CGER Report, ISSN1341-4356, CGER-D037-2006