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According to the Global Carbon Project team[0], global carbon dioxide emissions dropped by 1.3 percent in 2009 from 2008 levels due to the weak world economy[ii], despite the growth in energy consumption by developing countries. Chinas carbon dioxide emissions grew 8 percent in 2009, while Indias grew by 6 percent.[iii]

In the United States, the drop in carbon dioxide emissions in 2009 was much larger than the 1.3 percent drop in world emissions.[iv] Carbon dioxide emissions in the United States were 7 percent lower in 2009 due to slow economic growth, a drop in energy demand of almost 5 percent, a drop in electricity generation of 4 percent, the use of more efficient technologies, and the addition of cleaner sources of energy (natural gas and renewable energy).[v] (See chart below.) This reduction was the largest decline in carbon dioxide emissions in the United States since data collection began in 1949.[vi] In the U.S. electric generating sector, fuel switching from coal to natural gas and renewable energy resulted from higher coal prices, lower natural gas prices, and subsidies for renewable energy.

Shift in Countries Generating Carbon Dioxide Emissions

In 1990, the developed countries produced 65 percent of the worlds carbon dioxide emissions. Currently, those countries are producing less than 43 percent of the worlds carbon dioxide emissions. During that period, the developed countries have cut their emissions by 10 percent while the developing countries have more than doubled their carbon dioxide emissions.[vii] Developing nations were not affected by the recession as much as developed nations, and while making improvements in energy technology, developing nations are still not using energy as efficiently as developed countries.
Chinas Dependence on Coal

According to the Energy Information Administration, China consumed 46 percent of the worlds coal consumption in 2009, an amount 3.5 times more than the United States consumed.[viii] In 2009, China became a net importer of coal when it imported 113 thousand more tons than it exported.[ix] While China ranks third to the United States and Russia in coal reserves, it holds only 14 percent of the worlds total.[x] Because of its reserve level and its large coal consumption, China is purchasing coal from Canada, Australia, South Africa, Indonesia, Columbia, and the United States.

Related posts:

1. Global carbon dioxide emissions fall in 2009 – past decade still sees rapid emissions growth
2. U.S. ENERGY-RELATED CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS DECLINED 7% IN 2009
3. UPDATE 1-Global CO2 emissions to drop 2.8 pct in ’09 -report
4. Emissions Must Be Defined: Binding Objectives for Reducing Carbon Dioxide
5. Green measures, slower economy, lead to drop in carbon emissions

Tags: Carbon Dioxide, Carbon Emissions, global carbon