World CO2 emissions up 4.5% in 2004
Fri 30 September 2005
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According to the first estimates of the German economics institute, DIW, world energy-related carbon dioxide emissions rose by 4.5% in 2005, though EU-15 emissions were close to the level of 2003.
The data, reported by ENDS, shows that last year CO2 emissions rose at the fastest rate since 2000.
An early review of the data shows that China was the main source of emissions growth with a 15% year-on-year increase.
Total world CO2 emissions are now 26% above their 1990 level, the baseline year for the Kyoto Protocol targets.
In Kyoto-signatory countries, who are bound by the Protocol to limit greenhouse gas emissions, total output was 4.1% below the 1990 level in 2004. This compares with the overall commitment by these countries to an aggregate 5.2% emissions reduction by 2010. Much of the reduction is a result of a substantial fall in Russian emissions.
The European Union (EU-15) has reduced emissions by 1.4% below 1990 levels. These countries have a commitment to an 8% cut in their combined output by 2010.
According to DIW, there have been significant emissions increases since 1990 in non-signatories to the Kyoto treaty including a 26% increase in Australia, and 14% for the USA. Canada (a Kyoto signatory) has seen an emissions rise of 25%.
Related Links
DIW - German Economics Institute - press release (in German)
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