Although the Earth continues to break heat records, carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel combustion will increase in 2024.
The world will emit 37.4 billion tons of the main greenhouse gas, an increase of 0.8% compared to 2023, according to the Global Carbon Project.
Current Situation and Projections
The increase in pollution is not as large as last year, but it remains significant. If the current trend continues, the threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels will be surpassed in six years, as agreed in the 2015 Paris Agreement.
Emissions by Countries
China, responsible for 32% of carbon emissions, experienced a 0.2% increase from 2023. India, the third largest carbon emitter, saw a 4.6% increase. In contrast, carbon emissions decreased in the United States and the European Union, with drops of 0.6% and 3.8% respectively.
Urgency of Climate Action
Scientists and climate experts emphasize the need to be more ambitious and creative in reducing emissions and addressing the climate crisis.
Mohamed Adow, founder of PowerShift Africa, highlighted the urgency of addressing the root cause of the climate crisis in the face of resistance from the fossil fuel industry.
Impact and Future
Global carbon emissions are more than double what they were 50 years ago and have increased by 6% in the last decade. Although total emissions, including pollution from changes in land use such as deforestation, show little change, the need for immediate action is crucial to limit global warming and protect the environment.
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