In Japan, alongside rapid population aging, the number of older adults living alone is increasing. New research has revealed that rapid demographic changes—population aging together with the increase in single-person households—pose structural risks for both decarbonization and energy sufficiency. Addressing this challenge will require the redesign of cross-sectoral policies extending beyond climate and energy policies alone, encompassing housing, urban, and social policy.
Aging societies and more people living alone could slow decarbonization and worsen energy poverty
