The climate summit that the UN has hosted this year is one that will likely be of some consequence. We are already starting to see the effects of climate change all around the world, but in spite of the fact that this is the case most major developed countries have been hesitant to make any changes that can help make matters better with all things having been considered and taken into account.
With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that the decision to host this year’s conference on the African continent is quite consequential. Africa is among the regions that are worst impacted by climate change, despite only contributing about 3% of global CO2 emissions. This disproportionate impact can be seen in many other areas as well.
It is quite common for the worst impacted countries to bear the brunt of the upcoming climate catastrophe, and that can make it harder for developed countries to care. The country with the highest amount of carbon emissions by far is the US, which has released over 270 gigatons of CO2 into the atmosphere so far.
Coming in second is China with 253 gigatons, although this nation is likely going to surpass the US due to its massive population and its continued reliance on coal. Russia comes in at a distant third with 96.6 gigatons, although it should be noted that Russia’s population is quite small which means per capita emissions are still staggeringly high in that region.
Another contender for the top spot in coming years is India, although an abundance of investment into renewable energy in that region might prevent it from reaching the immensely high emissions of other nations. India is also especially vulnerable to the effects of climate change, as are other neighboring countries in the South Asian region.
Climate justice is being formalized for the very first time. It will be interesting to see if the world is able to pull itself back from the brink of catastrophe, because current signs have not shown this to be a probable outcome.
H/T: Statista.
Read next: 55% of American Consumers Now Identify as Climate Conscious
With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that the decision to host this year’s conference on the African continent is quite consequential. Africa is among the regions that are worst impacted by climate change, despite only contributing about 3% of global CO2 emissions. This disproportionate impact can be seen in many other areas as well.
It is quite common for the worst impacted countries to bear the brunt of the upcoming climate catastrophe, and that can make it harder for developed countries to care. The country with the highest amount of carbon emissions by far is the US, which has released over 270 gigatons of CO2 into the atmosphere so far.
Coming in second is China with 253 gigatons, although this nation is likely going to surpass the US due to its massive population and its continued reliance on coal. Russia comes in at a distant third with 96.6 gigatons, although it should be noted that Russia’s population is quite small which means per capita emissions are still staggeringly high in that region.
Another contender for the top spot in coming years is India, although an abundance of investment into renewable energy in that region might prevent it from reaching the immensely high emissions of other nations. India is also especially vulnerable to the effects of climate change, as are other neighboring countries in the South Asian region.
Climate justice is being formalized for the very first time. It will be interesting to see if the world is able to pull itself back from the brink of catastrophe, because current signs have not shown this to be a probable outcome.
H/T: Statista.
Read next: 55% of American Consumers Now Identify as Climate Conscious
