GLOBAL CO₂ EMISSIONS TO RISE 0.8% IN 2024: REPORT

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The 2024 Global Carbon Budget report highlights a projected 0.8% increase in global CO₂ emissions, underscoring the urgent need for emission reductions to meet climate targets and limit warming.

source:toi

Key Findings of the 2024 Global Carbon Budget:

  • Projected Increase: Global fossil CO₂ emissions are set to rise by 0.8% in 2024, reaching 4 billion tonnes, compared to a 1.2% increase in 2023.
  • Top Contributors: China leads with 31% of emissions, followed by the U.S. (13%), India (8%), and the EU-27 (7%), accounting for 59% of global fossil CO₂ emissions.

Per Capita Emissions: Average global per capita emissions stand at 1.3 tonnes; the U.S. has the highest at 3.9, China at 2.3, the EU-27 at 1.5, and India at 0.6 tonnes.

Regional Trends and Sector-Specific Insights:

  • Country-Specific Emissions: By year-end, China’s emissions are expected to reach 12 billion tonnes, India 3.2 billion tonnes (up by 4.6%), and the U.S. 4.9 billion tonnes (down by 0.6%).
  • Fossil Fuels and Land Use: Emissions from coal, oil, and gas are projected to increase slightly from 2023 levels, with a 0.2% rise for coal, 0.9% for oil, and 2.4% for gas.
  • Land-use changes contribute an additional 1.1 billion tonnes annually.

Urgent Climate Actions and Goals:

  • Rising CO₂ Levels: Atmospheric CO₂ concentration is set to reach5 ppm, a 52% increase from pre-industrial levels.
  • Paris Agreement Goals at Risk: Global leaders must make deep emissions cuts to meet the5°C climate target.
  • The Global Carbon Budget report warns that at current rates, the “carbon budget” may be exhausted within six years, emphasising immediate action at COP29 to prevent exceeding critical temperature thresholds.

    Ideal CO₂ Levels and Composition of Earth’s Atmosphere:

    • Earth’s atmosphere consists of 78% nitrogen, 20.95% oxygen, and 0.93% argon, with trace gases making up about 0.04%.
    • Optimal atmospheric CO₂ levels range between 280-350 ppm, beneficial for climate stability, agriculture, and sustainability.
    • CO₂ levels must stay below 430 ppm to avoid surpassing the 1.5°C global warming threshold.

    Threats of Rising CO₂ Levels

    • High CO₂ levels lead to increased occurrences of extreme weather events like heat waves, droughts, floods, wildfires, and storms.
    • These levels disrupt planetary balance, impacting human and animal life and ocean ecosystems.
    • Ocean acidification results from CO₂ absorption, altering seawater pH and threatening marine species.

    Causes of Increased CO₂ Levels

    • Greenhouse effect due to CO₂ trapping heat, contributing to pollution.
    • Burning fossil fuels for electricity, transportation, and various industries.
    • Resource overuse linked to consumption-driven economies.
    • Emissions from cement production, logging, agriculture, and other industrial activities.