Global carbon emissions reach record levels in 2013
Mon 15 September 2014
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Global carbon dioxide emissions increased by 2.1% in 2013 to reach a new record high as the world set new oil production and consumption records according to data analysed by independent experts.
China was the world's largest CO2 emitter, responsible for 27.1% of the total while US emissions, after several years of decline, grew by 2.9% in 2013 and now represent 16.9%. The data, based on the Statistical Review of World Energy, published by BP, was analysed by the Energy Collective, an independent, moderated forum for commentary & analysis on energy policy and related issues.
Since 2003, global carbon dioxide emissions have grown by 7.8 billion metric tons; only a little higher than the total output of emissions from the US in 2013 which measured 5.9 billion metric tons.
Separate research from the Global Carbon Project and
reported by the BBC says that while the per capita average for the world as a whole is 5 tonnes of carbon dioxide, China is now producing 7.2 tonnes per person, to the EU's 6.8 tonnes. The US is still far ahead on 16.5 tonnes per person.
Though China's total emissions have been rising fast, the Chinese Government points out that CO2 emissions per unit of GDP (the country's energy intensity) have dropped by nearly 29% in the eight years to 2013.
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