What are CO2 Emissions?

CO2 is the scientific formula for Carbon Dioxide; a chemical compound which is composed of 1 part Carbon and 2 parts Oxygen. CO2 Emissions refer to the release of Carbon Dioxide into the Earths Atmosphere.

Although natural CO2 emissions are necessary to sustain a temperature suitable for life on Earth, an excess of man made emissions can be harmful to the environment and contribute to Global Warming.

The majority of man made emissions are from the burning of fossil fuels for transport and industry, which in recent decades has increased to a dangerous level.

What are Fossil Fuels?

Coal, Gas and Oil are called Fossil Fuels, because they are formed from the decomposition of animals and plants living millions of years ago. All fossil fuels are made up of hydrocarbons, and therefore release carbon dioxide when burned.

Fossil fuels currently account for 80% of the worlds energy, however, if we want to avoid harmful climate change, we can only afford to burn 1 quarter of the known fossil fuel reserves. Burning any more than this will almost certainly release enough carbon dioxide into the atmosphere to bring Global Warming into dangerous levels.

	Global Carbon Emissions By Type  The image on the left shows the Global Carbon emissions in Millions of Metric Tons per year. The figures are broken down by the different types of emissions.
Image Source Global Warming Art

Who releases the most Carbon Dioxide?

Because industrialised nations have the most industry and transport, and have been burning fossil fuels for the last century or more, it stands to reason that they are responsible for the most carbon dioxide that gets pumped into the atmosphere.

Rapidly developing nations such as China and India are increasing their carbon output at a growing rate, however the US is still the worlds number one polluter, which is not a title that they should be proud of.

	Global Carbon Emissions By Region The image on the left shows the Global Carbon emissions in Millions of Metric Tons per year. The figures are broken down by region.
Image Source Global Warming Art

What can be done to help?

You can do your bit to reduce your own Carbon Emissions (see our Tips page for some pointers).

You can switch to a power supplier that only uses green renewable energy resources.

You can lobby the politicians and business leaders to reduce Carbon Emissions in industry and look at renewable energy resources.

You can spread the word to your friends and family, your school and workplace.

Remember, every little bit helps.