Emissions skyrocket - China, US and India key players

The largest increases in global greenhouse gas emissions have been attributed to electricity generation in China and India, as well as oil and gas production in the United States.

New data reveals that since the signing of the Paris climate agreement in 2015, the largest increases in global greenhouse gas emissions have been attributed to electricity generation in China and India, as well as oil and gas production in the United States.

Emissions of methane, a greenhouse gas that is 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide, have increased as well, despite over 100 countries committing to a pledge to reduce this gas, according to data published by the Climate Trace project.

The data indicates a failure by countries and companies to accurately report their emissions, despite obligations outlined in the Paris agreement. Over 190 countries have convened in Dubai since 30 November in an effort to align global efforts with the Paris goal of restricting temperature increases to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

Central to the Cop28 UN climate summit in Dubai is the "global stocktake," a critical assessment of advancements in achieving the necessary emissions reductions to stay within the 1.5°C limit. Unfortunately, many countries have not provided updates on their progress in this regard.

Data from Climate Trace has exposed a significant rebound in aviation emissions since the Covid lockdowns. Carbon emissions from international flights surged by 74 percent from 2021 to 2022, while domestic flights saw an 18 percent increase over the same period. Additionally, road transport emissions rose by 3.5 percent, likely attributed to the growing sales of SUVs.

The report also highlighted some positive news. Deforestation rates are decreasing in crucial regions, with emissions from the degradation and destruction of forests in the Congo Basin declining by up to 19 percent in 2022 compared to the previous year.