An Examination of Estimation Methods Employed for Determining C02 Emissions at the Prefectural Level in Japan1

This paper estimates CO2 emissions of all prefectures in Japan in 1995 and 2000 using a consistent estimation technique; the RAS method is applied to reflect the regional character istics. Our results are compared with the findings in different studies to examine the reli ability of our estimation method. Thereafter, on the basis our results, we investigate the trends and characteristics of CO2 emissions at the prefectural level. Our conclusions show the importance of policymaking by local governments to reduce emissions in their own re gions, especially from the residential sector.