Aging societies and more people living alone could slow decarbonization and worsen energy poverty

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.