Carbon emissions are one of the world’s most alarming side-effects of “business as usual,” contributing to climate change. When fossil fuels are burned, they release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which then absorbs infrared radiation and warms the planet. Carbon dioxide concentrations have risen from about 280 parts per million before humans began burning fossil fuels to more than 421 ppm today.
Emissions are caused by many different sources, including deforestation, human activities such as burning fossil fuels, and natural processes like volcanic eruptions. The majority of emissions are from the burning of fossil fuels, which is why reducing our dependency on fossil fuels is a key priority in the fight against climate change.
Countries can vary greatly in their emission levels, however the big emitters – China, the USA and the 28 countries of the European Union – have the biggest influence on global emissions. These top emitters need to step up their efforts to cut their emissions if we are to come close to meeting our emission reduction targets.
Individuals can also have an impact by the choices they make. For example, eating a steak rather than chicken will generate a higher carbon footprint, because beef requires more energy to raise and feed the livestock that produce it. Even something as simple as washing and drying clothes can generate carbon emissions, because of the energy used in heating water and in powering electric dryers. Explore these and other factors that contribute to an individual’s carbon footprint in this interactive map.