CO2emissioner

CO2emissioner refers to the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, a key factor in climate change due to its long atmospheric lifetime and heat-trapping properties. The term is used across environmental science, policy, and reporting to describe both current emissions and trends in their sources and magnitude.

Major sources include burning fossil fuels for electricity and heat, transportation (vehicles, aviation, shipping), industrial processes such as cement production, and changes in land use. Natural CO2 fluxes occur, but in recent history they are smaller than anthropogenic emissions in net effect; human activities are the primary driver of rising atmospheric CO2 levels.

Emissions are quantified in gigatonnes of CO2 per year (GtCO2/yr) and can be expressed as CO2-equivalents (CO2e) to compare with other greenhouse gases. Inventories follow IPCC guidelines and are reported by countries, with data compiled by organizations such as the IEA, EDGAR, and national agencies. Emissions are often categorized in scopes: Scope 1 (direct emissions), Scope 2 (indirect from energy), and Scope 3 (other indirect emissions).

Mitigation aims to reduce CO2emissioner through decarbonizing energy, improving energy efficiency, electrification of transport and industry, deployment of low-carbon technologies (including carbon capture and storage), and enhancing natural carbon sinks through forest and land management.

Internationally, efforts are coordinated under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement, with countries outlining Nationally Determined Contributions to limit warming. Tracking progress involves national inventories and global carbon budgeting, informing policy decisions and climate models.