Causes

Think Global, Act Local

SECTION SUMMARY

• The concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has increased by about a third
since 1800.
• Of the main greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide is the greatest contributor to global warming.
• The increase in carbon is most likely due to industrialisation and urbanisation that
began in Europe in the 18th century.
• During the 19th and 20th centuries industrial and urban growth across the globe has
increased the burning of fossil fuels leading to massive increases in CO2 emissions.

By far the biggest contributor to GHGs, particularly

CO2, and global warming is the burning of fossil fuels
(mainly oil, coal and gas). The concentration of carbon
dioxide in the atmosphere has increased by about a
third since 1800 (see fig 5).

FIG 5 Global concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere 1870–1990

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An estimated 6 to 7 giga tonnes of carbon dioxide
equivalent (CO2e) are currently being emitted
globally per year when fossil fuels are burnt by power
stations, industry, various forms of transport and in
our homes. In particular, we depend on oil for 90%
of our transport, and for food, pharmaceuticals and
chemicals. This demand will increase as standards
of living rise all over the world and population grows.
The International Energy Agency says the world will
need almost 60% more energy in 2030 than in 2002,
and fossil fuels will still meet most of its needs.
The amount of carbon each country produces is
dependent upon many factors, including population,
level of development and the type of fuels used to
produce electricity. Because of their varying chemical
constituents, different fossil fuels produce different
amounts of carbon dioxide. Coal produces most, then
oil, and then gas. Some countries use more nuclear
power stations which produce little CO2 but may raise
other environmental concerns (see fig 6).
A giga tonne is 109 tonnes
(1,000,000,000 tonnes)

FIG 6 Annual global greenhouse gas emissions by sector

Data Emission Database for Global Atmospheric Research (EDGAR) © Global Warming Art

The average person in the UK produces 9.62 tonnes of CO2 per year, a higher
figure than 84% of the rest of the world population. Find out how we compare
with other countries by viewing the Climate Calendar prepared by the World
Development Movement at www.wdm.org.uk

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FIG 7 Who adds most to the CO2 problem? (EU25 = the 25 countries that make up the EU)

It is clear from these figures that the UK is not an

insignificant contributor to the problem of global
warming and has to look seriously at what it can
do to reduce carbon emissions. The growth of
developing world economies in the future will
generate the greatest increases in greenhouse
gases. At a time when western economies are
beginning to address the environmental legacy
of unchecked industrialisation, the developing
world is seemingly treading a similar path.

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