New Delhi: Carbon emissions into the atmosphere from fossil fuel combustion worldwide in 2007 was 22 percent higher than in 2000,says the Worldwatch Institute. India accounted for eight percent of this.
"The US and Europe accounted for roughly four and three percent, respectively, of the growth during this period," the Worldwatch has said in a recent report. "India contributed eight percent and China a staggering 57 percent." The Washington-based think tank says that despite the rapid increase, China's 18.3 percent share of global fossil fuel emissions remained slightly behind the US share of 19.5 percent.
Per capita emissions in the developing world remained well below those in industrial countries. Emissions from human activities have greatly increased the stock of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. The additional greenhouse gas (GHG) is trapping more heat, raising the average global temperature and changing the climate.
Burning of fossil fuels account for about 74 percent of all CO2 emissions and for roughly 57 percent of all GHG emissions. Consumption of fossil fuels by the wealthiest countries is largely responsible for elevating atmospheric CO2 levels to the current 384 parts per million, an increase of 37 percent over the pre-industrial level.
But, says the Worldwatch Institute report, "today the rapid, coal-dependent development of China and India is the most important driver of growth in global carbon dioxide emissions. Coal provides 70 percent of commercial energy in China and 56 percent in India. "Recent trends suggest that most of the growth in emissions from human activities will come from the developing world. In fact, based on the average growth rates for the past five years, China s emissions from fossil fuels will surpass those of the US some time in 2008."
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IANS
