INCREASING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: The recent data from the Climate Trace Project shows an increase in global greenhouse gas emissions since the Paris climate agreement in 2015.

EXPLANATION:

• The recent data from the Climate Trace project underscores some critical points in the global effort to combat climate change.
• It sheds light on the specific regions and sectors that have contributed significantly to the surge in greenhouse gas emissions since the signing of the Paris climate agreement in 2015.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

• China, India, and the US stand out as major contributors to the increase in emissions.
• Electricity generation in China and India, coupled with oil and gas production in the US, have been identified as the primary drivers behind this concerning trend.
• These revelations highlight the challenges in accurately reporting emissions, showcasing deficiencies in fulfilling obligations under the Paris Agreement by both countries and companies.

Rising Methane Emissions and Pledges:

• Despite global pledges to reduce methane emissions, the data indicates an alarming increase in methane levels, a potent greenhouse gas.
• China’s coal mines contributed to the surge in methane emissions.
• However, there’s a recent commitment from China to address methane emissions by including it in its national climate plans and collaborating with the US on this issue.

Importance of Accurate Emissions Information:

• The Climate Trace project plays a crucial role in pinpointing emission sources using satellite images and AI software.
• Al Gore emphasized the necessity of accurate emissions information to tackle the problem effectively, highlighting the significance of identifying precise emission sources to address the issue adequately.

Mitigating Methane and COP28 Summit:

• Scientists stress the urgency of sharp cuts in methane emissions to mitigate the severe impacts of global heating.
• The COP28 UN climate summit in Dubai aimed to assess progress towards emission cuts necessary to stay within the 1.5ºC temperature limit set by the Paris Agreement.
• Cooperation on methane reduction at this summit was seen as a positive step towards achieving the 1.5ºC target, with reductions potentially contributing up to 0.3ºC in lowering global temperature increases.

Efforts and Challenges in Decarbonization:

• More than 50 oil and gas companies at COP28 have pledged to join a “decarbonization accelerator” to reduce their climate impact.
• However, critics argue that the voluntary nature of these pledges presents challenges in ensuring accountability.
• They advocate for stronger legal agreements to phase out fossil fuels substantially.

Impact of Post-Covid Aviation and Positive Note on Deforestation:

• Emissions from aviation rebounded post-Covid lockdowns, with a significant surge in both international and domestic flight emissions, along with a rise in road transport emissions potentially linked to increased SUV sales.
• On a positive note, there’s a decline in emissions from deforestation in key regions like the Congo Basin, showcasing a reduction in forest degradation and destruction.
• Overall, the data underscores the pressing need for coordinated global efforts to address emissions from various sectors, emphasizing the importance of accurate reporting, urgency in mitigating methane, and the necessity for stronger commitments and actions to achieve meaningful climate goals.

CLIMATE TRACE:

• Climate TRACE is an independent initiative that aims to track greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions with unprecedented detail, speed, and trusted independence.
• It was founded by a global coalition of nonprofits, tech companies, and universities to make meaningful climate action faster and easier by providing real-time or near-real-time data on GHG emissions.
• The project uses a combination of satellite data, artificial intelligence, and other remote sensing technologies to monitor and publish GHG emissions within weeks, improving monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) of both carbon dioxide and methane.

SOURCE: https://www.wionews.com/world/surge-in-greenhouse-gas-emissions-points-to-china-us-and-india-as-primary-culprits-data-665785