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Global Carbon Dioxide Emissions (1850–2040)

CO2 emissions have risen rapidly in the past 70 years. They are projected to remain steady but at high levels in the coming decades.

Emission reductions in developed economies are expected to offset growth in developing countries.

Top CO2 Emitters

The largest absolute emitters include China, the United States, and European Union nations.

The highest per capita emissions are observed in the United States and Russia.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Other Gases)

Methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases are projected to increase by 30% over the next three decades.

Primary Sources of Global GHG Emissions (2013)

Electricity and heat contribute 31%, transportation 15%, agriculture 11%, manufacturing 12%, and forestry 6%.

Energy production of all types accounts for 72% of total emissions.

Global Manmade GHG Emissions by Gas (2015)

CO2 accounts for 76% of total emissions, methane 16% (mainly from agriculture), and nitrous oxide 6% (from industry and agriculture).

Greenhouse Gas Intensity (2018)

The highest greenhouse gas intensity (emissions relative to GDP) is observed in Russia and China, while the United States is below the world average.

Per Capita Greenhouse Gas Emissions (2018)

The highest per capita greenhouse gas emissions are observed in the United States and Russia.

Sources for Emission Data

Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center (Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 2017), World Energy Outlook (International Energy Agency, 2020, 2021), Global Non-CO2 Emission Projections (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2019), Climate Analysis Indicators Tool (World Resources Institute, 2017)

Definition of NDCs

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are efforts by each country to reduce national emissions and adapt to climate change impacts.

Role in the Paris Agreement

NDCs are central to achieving the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement, which include global peaking of GHG emissions and rapid reductions thereafter.

Objective

To achieve a balance between anthropogenic emissions and removals of GHGs by the second half of the century.

Emission reductions should be based on equity, sustainable development, and efforts to eradicate poverty, especially in developing countries.

Emissions Peaking

The peaking of emissions is expected to take longer for developing countries.

Efforts should be undertaken in the context of their development priorities.

Submission of NDCs

NDCs are submitted every five years to the UNFCCC secretariat.

Successive NDCs should represent a progression compared to the previous one, reflecting the highest possible ambition.

Timing of NDC Submissions

NDCs are to be submitted by 2020, and then every five years (e.g., 2025, 2030).

Flexibility in Updating NDCs

Parties can adjust their existing NDCs at any time to enhance their ambition (Article 4, paragraph 11).

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.While climate change is a global challenge, the contributions of individual countries to climate mitigation and adaptation vary significantly. Evaluate the climate contributions of major economies and assess their responsibilities in achieving global climate targets. (250 words)