Global warming limit requires urgent cut in CO2 emissions, study finds

The researchers have no doubts about the clear message they convey in the study published in "Nature Climate Change". They are raising the alarm to halt the progress of global warming and limit the average temperature increase in the world to 1.5°C. It is necessary to reduce carbon dioxide emissions drastically. They point out the exact boundaries of the maximum emissions, crossing which may lead to catastrophic climate changes on Earth.

Experts believe that if the international community intends to achieve a 50-percent chance of stopping global warming within 1.5°C, only 275 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide can still be emitted—such a warning is conveyed on the pages of sciencealert.com.

Given the current level of global CO2 emissions, which is 44 billion tonnes annually, it is easy to calculate that the limit scientists set will reach in just under six years.

The report's authors discuss the conformity of their estimates with the assessment presented by fifty leading climatologists in June, which was supplemented with the latest climate data presented by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in August 2021.

Although zero carbon dioxide emissions may seem difficult to implement, ecologists believe it is extremely attractive. However, it should be remembered that, apart from CO2, a number of other greenhouse gases and atmospheric pollutants also contribute to climate change.

Available scenarios for future emissions suggest that almost all assume a decrease in aerosol emissions, whether fossil fuels are gradually phased out or CO2 emission is further reduced. Even in cases where an increase in CO2 emissions is anticipated, stricter air quality regulations and cleaner combustion processes can be expected.

Experts imply that the time to limit global warming to 1.5°C compared to pre-industrial levels is slowly running out. Although the available "budget" for CO2 emissions has been reviewed, the results of earlier analyses are still relevant. They emphasize that to curb climate changes effectively, a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is essential - such is the scientists' stance published on sciencealert.com

China, the largest producer of CO2 globally, accounts for over a quarter of global emissions, significantly affecting global emission indicators.

The United States is the second-largest creator of CO2, contributing to 18% of global emissions. The country's contribution is crucial, considering its economic and industrial scale.

India is also among the leading countries responsible for emissions. Its contribution is noteworthy, although its emissions per capita are significantly lower compared to other top emitters due to its large population.

Globally, Asia is number one in terms of emissions, accounting for 53%, followed by North America and Europe with 18% and 17%, respectively. The disparities in emissions are striking, with the three largest GHG-emitting countries—China, the United States, and India—contributing to 42.6% of the total emissions, while the bottom 100 countries account for only 3.2%.