Global Carbon Emissions Overview
India is the third largest emitter of carbon, releasing 3.2 billion tonnes annually (2024), following China and the U.S., which emit 12 billion tonnes and 4.9 billion tonnes respectively.
Emissions Projections for 2025
- Global carbon emissions are expected to rise to 38 billion tonnes, an increase of 1.1%.
- India's emissions growth is projected at 1.4%, a decrease compared to the previous year's 4% growth, attributed to a favorable monsoon and increased renewable energy use.
- China's emissions are projected to grow by 0.4%, due to moderate energy consumption growth and significant renewable energy expansion.
- The U.S. and European Union are expected to see emissions growth of 1.9% and 0.4% respectively.
Per Capita Emissions
In per person terms, India emits 2.2 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, ranking as the second lowest among the 20 largest global economies.
Fuel Contributions to Emissions
- Coal remains the primary fuel for India's carbon emissions.
- Globally, fossil CO2 emissions are driven by:
- Coal: +0.8%
- Oil: +1%
- Natural Gas: +1.3%
Deforestation and Carbon Budget
- Emissions from permanent deforestation are stable at 4 billion tonnes of CO2 per year.
- Permanent removals via reafforestation offset about half of these emissions.
- Total CO2 emissions (fossil and land-use changes) grew 0.3% per year over the past decade, slower than the previous decade's 1.9%
Implications for Global Warming
The remaining carbon budget to limit global warming to 1.5°C is nearly exhausted, with only 170 billion tonnes of CO2 remaining, equivalent to emissions for four years at 2025 levels. This budget is projected to be depleted by 2030 if current emission rates persist.
Global Response to Climate Change
World leaders are convening in Belem, Brazil, to address the transition from fossil fuels and negotiate funding for mitigating climate change effects.
