Greenhouse gas emissions

Understanding the Impact of Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Imagine the Earth as a giant greenhouse, with its windows wide open. The gases we emit act like invisible curtains, trapping heat and causing our planet to warm up. One of these gases is carbon dioxide (CO2), which has been a major player in this warming game for decades.

The Largest Emitters: China and the US

China and the United States are like the biggest players on the field, with large oil and gas companies driving their emissions. These countries have contributed significantly to the 50% increase in greenhouse gases since pre-industrial times, averaging around 56 billion tons a year during the 2010s.

Breaking Down Emissions Sources

The largest sources of these emissions are electricity generation, transport, agriculture, and land-use changes. Think of it like this: every time you turn on a light or drive your car, you’re contributing to the problem. But what about those cows? They produce methane, another potent greenhouse gas, making them significant contributors too.

Per Capita Emissions and Global Impact

When we look at per capita emissions, it’s like comparing apples to oranges. High-income countries tend to have much higher annual per capita emissions than low-income countries. For instance, China is now approaching the emission levels of developed countries like the US.

The Role of Cities and Urban Areas

While cities may contribute significantly to emissions, they often have lower per-capita emissions compared to their countries as a whole. This is because urban areas tend to be more efficient in terms of energy use and transportation.

Historical Emissions and Cumulative Impact

The historical or cumulative emissions measurements provide some indicators of greenhouse gas atmospheric concentration build-up. The US, EU-15, and China have all contributed significantly over the years, with the US accounting for 28% of emissions between 1890 and 2007.

Global Trends in Emissions

Since 1950, global greenhouse gas emissions have increased rapidly. In 2019, CO2 emissions were at an all-time high, with China alone responsible for nearly 10 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually.

Measuring and Tracking Emissions

Different methods can be used to measure greenhouse gas emissions, including the emission factor-based method, mass balance method, predictive emissions monitoring systems, and continuous emissions monitoring systems. However, these measures have varying levels of accuracy, cost, and usability.

Carbon Accounting Frameworks

These frameworks help organizations track their greenhouse gas emissions, but they can be complex to implement. For example, embedded emissions measure the emissions of goods that are being consumed, with countries reporting on emissions produced within their borders and attributed to either the exporting or importing country.

The Impact of Transportation

Transportation is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions in the EU, accounting for around 70% of these emissions. Road travel is the first major source, followed by aircraft and maritime transport. Waterborne transportation remains the least carbon-intensive mode on average.

The Role of Buildings

Buildings are directly responsible for about one-fifth of greenhouse gas emissions, primarily from space heating and hot water consumption. When combined with power consumption within buildings, this figure climbs to more than one-third.

Global Emissions by Type of Greenhouse Gas

The dominant emitted greenhouse gas is CO2, followed closely by methane. Methane has a high global warming potential with a 5-year impact of up to 100. Current emissions are 389 Mt, mostly from fossil fuels (32%), livestock (28%), human waste and wastewater (21%), and rice cultivation (10%).

Reducing SLCP Emissions

Reducing short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) can cut global warming by half. Pairing carbon mitigation with non-CO2 measures is essential for a comprehensive approach to reducing emissions.

In conclusion, the fight against greenhouse gas emissions requires a multifaceted approach. From reducing our reliance on fossil fuels to improving energy efficiency in buildings and transportation, every action counts. As we move forward, it’s crucial that we work together to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.