Global CO2 emissions rose 15% from 1992 to 2002

Report:

Global CO2 emissions rose 15% from 1992 to 2002

By Bruce Geiselman

May 10 --

Carbon dioxide emissions increased by 15 percent between 1992 and 2002, topping 24 billion metric tons, according to a new report by the World Bank.

The rapidly expanding economies of China and India are experiencing some of the largest gains, China increased its carbon dioxide emissions by 33 percent during the 10-year period, while India´s emissions grew by 57 percent, according to the World Bank´s Little Green Data Book 2006. The trend is likely to continue as the countries´ economies continue growing.

China´s increase in greenhouse gas emissions occurred despite energy-efficiency improvements the country undertook during the period.

Developed countries, including the United States and those in the European Union, continue to emit the largest amounts of carbon dioxide. The United States contributes 24 percent of total emissions and the European Union is responsible for 10 percent, according to the report.

However, developing countries are catching up. Between 2000 and 2002, low- and middle-income countries were responsible for about two-thirds of the increase in carbon dioxide emissions.

"This reality shows us that we need to find creative ways to engage all major economies of the world to solve a global problem such as climate change," said Steen Jorgensen, acting vice president for sustainable development at the World Bank.

The burning of fossil fuels is the primary culprit for carbon dioxide emissions. The energy sector accounts for about 80 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, and the agricultural sector is responsible for the bulk of the remainder.