In 2010, the worlds’ nations totally emitted a record 30.6 gigatons of carbon-dioxide, according to the latest estimates by the International Energy Agency. In 2009, CO2 emissions were 5% above the previous record year in 2008 and had slightly dipped below 29 gigatons as a result of the global economic crisis. Because the economy has slowly recovered and more demands have emerged, the CO2 emission again breaks the all time record in 2010.
The IEA estimates that 40% of global emissions came from OECD countries in 2010, but these developed countries only accounted for 25% of the emissions growth compared to 2009. Those non-OECD countries, in particular China and India, accounted for the bulk of last year’s emission growth.
Right now the world has edged incredibly close to the level of emissions that should not be reached until 2020 if the 2ºC global goal agreed in Cancun is to be attained. Now, unless bold and decisive decisions are made very soon, it will be extremely challenging to succeed in achieving this global target.
Therefore, as a individual, we should all start changing our behavior from now: turn off the water and lights when you don’t need them; only buy things that you need instead of things that you want; take bus or mass transit instead of driving car, etc. Let’s all do something to improve the situation and save this wonderful planet we live.
