Meghan Hodges
The world currently emits over 35 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide each year, with Asia being the largest emitter, accounting for around half of global emissions. The average American or Australian produces the same amount of emissions in under two days as the average person in Mali or Niger does in a year. The richest 1% of people produce 16% of global emissions, more than all car and road transport emissions. The leading sources of air pollution include household combustion devices, motor vehicles, industrial facilities, and forest fires, with particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide being the most concerning pollutants. Plastic pollution is another pressing issue, with an estimated 1-2 million tonnes of plastic entering the oceans each year.
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Carbon dioxide emissions
Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are a major driver of global climate change and have been increasing since the start of the Industrial Revolution in 1750. The UK was the world's first industrialised nation and the first fossil fuel CO2 emitter, with global emissions of less than 10 million tonnes in 1751.
CO2 emissions have increased rapidly over the past few centuries, with a significant rise in the second half of the 20th century. In 1950, global CO2 emissions were around 6 billion tonnes, and by 1990, they had almost quadrupled to over 20 billion tonnes. By the end of the 20th century, annual CO2 emissions exceeded 35 billion tonnes, with some sources placing the figure at 37.4 billion tonnes in 2024. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a slight dip in emissions, but they have since rebounded to record highs.
The distribution of CO2 emissions has changed over time. Initially, until well into the 20th century, global emissions were dominated by Europe and the United States, accounting for more than 90% of emissions in 1900 and over 85% in 1950. However, in recent decades, there has been a shift towards Asia, particularly China, becoming a significant emitter. Today, Asia accounts for around half of global emissions, but due to its large population, its per capita emissions are slightly lower than the world average.
Some countries with high per capita emissions are the United States, Australia, and Canada, which are around three times higher than the global average. The link between income and per capita CO2 emissions is evident, as countries with high standards of living tend to have higher carbon footprints. However, there are exceptions, as some European countries, such as Portugal, France, and the UK, have emissions closer to the global average.
The primary source of CO2 emissions is the combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, which releases carbon stored over millions of years of photosynthesis back into the atmosphere. Human activities, such as energy production, industrial processes, and transportation, contribute significantly to the burning of fossil fuels. Additionally, land use changes, such as deforestation, also play a role in increasing CO2 emissions.
To stabilise and reduce CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere, achieving net-zero emissions is crucial. This requires significant reductions in emissions from fossil fuels, which have not yet peaked despite recent slowdowns in the growth rate. Carbon sinks, such as plant growth and ocean absorption, can help mitigate the impact, but they are currently unable to keep up with the rate at which we are adding CO2 to the atmosphere.
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Fossil fuels
The burning of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, trapping heat and causing global temperatures to rise. In 2023, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere reached 420 parts per million, up from 278 parts per million in 1750. Global carbon emissions from fossil fuels reached a record high in 2023, with total emissions estimated at 40.9 billion metric tons, including 36.8 billion metric tons from fossil fuels alone. This represents a 1.1% increase from 2022 levels. The largest sources of these emissions are the burning of fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation.
Coal is the most polluting fossil fuel and the largest source of global temperature rise. It emits the most carbon dioxide per unit of energy and severely impacts health through air pollution. Oil is also a significant contributor, releasing approximately one-third of the world's total carbon emissions when burned. While some countries are committing to phasing out coal power, global emissions trends remain concerning.
To limit global warming and mitigate its impacts, a rapid transition away from fossil fuels towards low-carbon energy sources is necessary. This includes renewable energy sources and improved land management practices, such as reforestation and soil health enhancement, which can help remove additional CO2 from the atmosphere.
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Plastic waste
It is estimated that the world produces about 300-350 million tonnes of plastic waste annually. This waste has severe environmental consequences, as plastic can take up to 500 years to decompose, depending on its composition and disposal. The mismanagement of plastic waste, including the lack of recycling, incineration, or proper landfill storage, further exacerbates the problem. Approximately one-fifth to a quarter of plastic waste is mismanaged, leading to environmental pollution and the contamination of natural environments, from the tallest mountains to the deepest ocean trenches.
The impact of plastic waste on the oceans is particularly concerning. It is estimated that between one and two million tonnes of plastic enter the oceans each year, affecting marine ecosystems and wildlife. This plastic waste comes from various sources, including rivers, which serve as direct conduits of trash from cities to the marine environment. The probability that mismanaged plastic waste enters the ocean varies globally, influenced by factors such as river systems, proximity to coastlines, terrain, and precipitation patterns.
To address the plastic waste crisis, it is crucial to improve waste management strategies and reduce plastic consumption. Domestic policies, foreign investments in waste management infrastructure, public awareness campaigns, incentives for recycling, and bans on certain plastic products are some of the measures being implemented to tackle this global issue. Additionally, richer countries, which tend to produce the most plastic waste per person, can contribute significantly to reducing plastic pollution by transitioning away from fossil fuels and imposing new taxes on corporations and billionaires.
Overall, the plastic waste crisis is a pressing environmental issue that requires immediate attention and collective action from governments, industries, and individuals worldwide. By improving waste management practices and reducing plastic consumption, we can significantly reduce plastic pollution and protect our planet for future generations.
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Air pollution
Despite the significant health, environmental, and economic impacts of air pollution, clean air projects are often underfunded, and many countries lack adequate pollution standards. However, policies and investments that support sustainable land use, cleaner household energy, improved waste management, and other initiatives can effectively reduce key sources of ambient air pollution.
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Greenhouse gases
Energy Sector
The energy sector, including electricity production and heat generation, contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. The burning of coal, natural gas, and oil for electricity and heat is the largest single source of global greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 34% of 2019 global emissions. Within the energy sector, transportation is a significant contributor, with fossil fuels burned for road, rail, air, and marine transportation. Almost all 95% of the world's transportation energy comes from petroleum-based fuels, resulting in direct emissions. The transportation sector is the largest source of direct greenhouse gas emissions.
Industrial Processes
Industrial activities, including burning fossil fuels for energy and certain chemical reactions to produce goods, are a major source of greenhouse gases. Industrial emissions account for 24% of 2019 global emissions. The industrial sector has seen a massive 225% growth in emissions since 1990, making it a critical area for intervention.
Agriculture, Forestry, and Land Use
Agriculture, deforestation, and other land-use changes are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. This sector accounted for 22% of 2019 global emissions. Greenhouse gases in this sector arise from crop cultivation, livestock farming, and deforestation. Land use changes, such as deforestation, have severe environmental consequences, contributing to the alarming rate of global warming and extreme weather events.
Commercial and Residential Sector
The commercial and residential sector, including fossil fuels burned for heating and cooling in buildings, contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. This sector also includes non-building-specific emissions, such as waste handling. While emissions from this sector are typically associated with the energy sector, they account for 6% of 2019 global emissions when considered independently.
Inequality and Income Distribution
It is worth noting that the emissions burden is not equally distributed. The richest 1% of the global population is responsible for 16% of global consumption emissions, more than all car and road transport emissions. This highlights the impact of carbon-intensive lifestyles and investments in polluting industries. Addressing this inequality is crucial for mitigating climate change.
To address these sources of greenhouse gas emissions, various interventions and initiatives are being promoted. These include policies and investments supporting sustainable land use, cleaner energy and transport, energy-efficient housing, improved waste management, and the transition to renewable energy sources. Additionally, taxation on corporations and the wealthiest individuals has been proposed to fund the transition to renewable energy and prioritize planetary well-being over endless profit.
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Frequently asked questions
The world emits over 35 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide each year, which equates to approximately 95 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per day.
Asia is the largest emitter, accounting for around half of global emissions. This is due to the fact that almost 60% of the world's population resides in Asia. The average American or Australian, however, produces the same amount of emissions in under two days as the average person in Mali or Niger does in an entire year.
Carbon dioxide emissions are primarily the result of burning fossil fuels for energy, transportation, and industry.
