If we want to avoid drastic global warming this century, we need to sharply reduce greenhouse gas emissions over time. For the previous three years, emissions had been holding steady, but last year, global emissions from the use of coal, oil and natural gas increased by 1.4%. According to the International Energy Agency, this unfortunate new data should serve as a strong warning that we need to increase our efforts to combat climate change.
Given that there are many efforts across the globe to reduce emissions, why are greenhouse gas emissions on the rise again? Five major reasons can be cited.
First of all, emissions are continuing to rise in Asia where fast-growing countries like China, India and Indonesia continue to rely on fossil fuels as they try to emerge from widespread poverty. China, despite its massive efforts in solar and wind power, saw its emissions rise by 1.7% as it continues to see rapid economic growth.
Second, renewable energy is growing rapidly, but not rapidly enough. It still only supplies about a quarter of the world’s increases in energy demand. Renewables simply need to grow faster.
Third, there actually has been a slight uptick in coal use, driven by an increase in coal-fired power plants in Southeast Asia.
Fourth, sales of SUVs continue to boom. With declining oil prices, people in the U.S. and Europe continue to buy too many gas-guzzling vehicles.
Fifth, efforts to improve energy efficiency have slowed down to some extent as many countries appear to be easing up on policies to improve it.
To really make headway on greenhouse gas emissions, greater efforts by all will be needed.
**********
Web Links
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Rose Last Year. Here Are the Top 5 Reasons.
Photo, November 29, 2008, courtesy of Gustavo M. via Flickr.
‘Greenhouse Gas Emissions Rising Again’ from Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio.
Leave a Reply