Drivers of Climate Change in East Asia: the energy dilemma

Although most GHG emissions come from energy use, drivers of climate change are notably different in China, South Korea and Japan. The chapter first explores whether China’s coal-dominant energy structure is likely to change fundamentally in the foreseeable future and finds that coal will continue to be the largest contributor to climate change in China, while emissions from transportation are increasing drastically. It then examines the similarities and differences of the energy and GHG profile in Japan and South Korea. The chapter finally compares the drivers of climate change in the three East Asian economies and summarizes its major findings.