Understanding Climate Change

Understanding emissions is critical to addressing climate change. Emissions refer to releasing greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, into the atmosphere by human activities, primarily burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and agriculture.

Emissions trends show that global greenhouse gas emissions have increased since the industrial revolution, with the largest emitters being China, the United States, and the European Union. However, emissions per capita vary significantly across countries, with high-income countries having the highest emissions per person.

Data on emissions is essential to track progress towards emission reduction targets, such as those outlined in the Paris Agreement. This includes tracking emissions from different sectors, such as energy, transportation, industry, and agriculture, and understanding the drivers of emissions, such as economic growth and population growth. By understanding emissions trends and data, we can develop effective strategies to reduce emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.