The Global CO2 Emissions Map
The global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions map has been circulating recently and receiving its due reaction. The visual depiction is striking. The more radiant the light, the more intense the CO2 emissions. The graphic, produced by geospatial data scientist Adam Symington (Python Maps), illustrates CO2 emissions around the world based on the European Commission’s 2018 tracking data.
The Value Chain
What is most often depicted in greenhouse gas (GHG) mapping is emissions by country basis, including those from population centers, stationary sources such as manufacturing facilities and mobile sources. This incredible mapping brilliantly shows the intercontinental source emissions, including global traffic patterns within primary shipping lanes and trade routes, and key flight paths.
We’re seeing the tonnes of CO2 produced and consumed across the supply chain. As products are made and go to market, they are shipped, trucked and sent by freight. We humans also travel by planes, trains and automobiles.
Indeed, the transportation sector contributes approximately 25% of all energy related GHG emissions globally (UN data). This reality is a driving factor in the recent efforts to advance zero-emissions technology in the marketplace and by regulators to account for GHG emissions across the full value chain.
The Country Share
What is also tangible is the powerful CO2 share by country story. That was the catalyst for the historic loss and damage fund agreement made by signatory nations at COP27 to address inequity and the disproportionate share and impact of emissions.
When assessing emissions share, it is important to look at various factors, including total emissions as well as per-capita emissions. China and the US, followed by the EU, India, Russia and Japan routinely are the most significant total CO2 emitters, while Gulf States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, and other nations along with the US and Russia are the largest emitters on a per-capita emissions basis (IEA data).
The brighter the map, the bleaker our world. That’s the paradox. Transitioning to a low carbon economy in advancing clean tech, reimagining built systems and delivering on GHG commitments offers a pathway to reducing CO2 levels and achieving global climate goals.
