China is a gigantic wild card with the potential to substantially extend the growth of carbon emissions world wide, even if developed nations get their emissions under control. China is unlikely to control its emissions without dramatic assistance or heavy economic pressure from developed nations.
Carbon and Climate
building energy, divestment, emissions data, personal footprint, preparing for climate change, reducing emissions in ma, science and goals
What is the carbon level we need to stabilize at?
To stop making the problem worse, we need to stabilize CO2 levels in the atmosphere — we need to stop putting out more CO2 than can be absorbed naturally. Global warming is driven by the cumulative total amount of CO2 we have put into the atmosphere less cumulative natural absorption.
What risk levels are associated with different levels of global warming?
2.0 degrees from pre-industrial levels — 1 to 1.5 from todays level — is a ceiling that some world organizations have viewed as troubling, but livable.
How do emissions breakdown by country?
On a straight carbon dioxide emission basis, the United States accounted for 24.0% of emissions, highest in the world, and was 5th highest per capita in 2000 (only exceeded by Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Bahrain).
How well are the European nations doing at reducing carbon?
European nations have suceeded in achieving a slight reduction in carbon emissions by switching from coal to gas for power generation. Overall, their energy use is actually increasing.
How do emissions break down by activity?
Available statistics allow an analysis of carbon emissions by broad type of economic activity.