Climate Change Trends: Carbon Emissions Giants

December 10, 2011 1:00 AM

Right now, 10 countries — including the U.S., China and Russia — are responsible for 80 percent of the world's carbon dioxide emissions. The United States is the world's second largest emitter (China ranks no. 1), sending around 5.8 million metric tons of CO2 into the atmosphere a year. That's the equivalent to a year's worth of greenhouse gas emissions from 1.1 billion average passenger vehicles. Below, a look at today's big CO2 emitters — and projected emissions giants in 2030.

Interactive

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Interactive map showing 2075 emissions by country, 2030 projected emissions by region, 2007 emissions per capita by country, 2030 projected emissions per capita by region, 2009 population and 2030 projected population. View these maps as a flat image.

Notes

Emissions percent change is calculated by the EIA and based on regional changes between 2008 and 2030.

Countries With Top Coal Reserves

Across the globe, coal reserves are the most carbon-intensive energy resource.

Atmospheric CO2 Concentrations

Concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are much higher than they were in the industrial era, and have been increasing steadily over the last half century. The yearly dips represent seasonal changes.

Chart: Concentrations of CO2 In The Atmosphere

CO2 Emissions Compared With GDP

About half the electricity used in the United States comes from burning coal. China depends on coal even more. Burning coal puts out more greenhouse gases than does any other single source of electricity.

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