Carbon emissions are the main human contributor to global climate change. They are also the main driver of greenhouse gas pollution that harms public health. It’s widely recognized that the world must drastically reduce its emissions to prevent the worst consequences of climate change. However, how this responsibility is shared among countries, regions, and individuals has been a subject of intense debate.
The amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has increased dramatically since humans began burning fossil fuels. It now stands at about 421 parts per million, compared to about 280 parts per million before the Industrial Revolution. This increase is causing the planet to warm, and other greenhouse gases like methane, water vapor and nitrogen oxide are also helping to trap heat.
Various natural processes can add or subtract CO2 from the atmosphere, including decomposition, ocean release and respiration. These natural factors tend to balance out over time, but since 1750 human activities have upset this natural balance by adding large amounts of heat-trapping gases to the air.
Emissions are largely driven by the use of fossil fuels, but can also be affected by land-use changes, cement production, biofuels, and the loss or gain of carbon sinks. They are also affected by short-term factors such as population growth, economic change, energy prices and changing behavior.
The countries with the highest CO2 emissions are primarily oil exporters, led by Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain. They are followed by Russia, Saudi Arabia and Iran. Other major producers of carbon emissions are Australia, New Zealand and Canada. In contrast, many of the world’s poorest countries have very low emissions per capita: a person in sub-Saharan Africa produces the same amount in two days as an American or Australian does in a year.
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