Geographical pattern of emission of Greenhouse Gases

Geographical pattern of emission of Greenhouse Gases

Introduction

The objective of this case study is to examine the geographical pattern of emission of gases, such as Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Sulfur Dioxide (SO2). The paper analyses how countries, such as China and United States are contributing to the contribution of these poisonous gases.

Discussion

One way to measure the contribution of a country to emissions of greenhouse gases that cause global climate change is the "carbon footprint". Carbon footprints are usually expressed in metric tons of carbon dioxide per year (Mt CO 2). In general, more developed and prosperous regions of the world are those with higher carbon footprints. And the wealthier countries, with 15% of the world population, contribute 50% of the world's carbon emissions. According to a recent Human Development Report United Nations (Development Program United Nations, 2007), the world's indigent population, consisting of one billion, generates only 3% of the overall carbon footprint. In comparison, United States with only 4% of world population has one of the highest carbon footprints in the world.

Geographical Pattern of Carbon Dioxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced mainly by incomplete combustion in engines and small combustion plants. Process-related emissions occur mainly in the fields of iron and steel, stones and earths, and aluminum. According to research conducted by the organization, Carbon Monitoring for Action (CARMA), United States produces a quarter of all carbon dioxide emissions on the planet from electricity generation, followed by China (Nakic´enovic´ 2000).

But when looked at carbon dioxide emissions on the basis of per capita, Australians are the world's most polluting individuals, producing five times more carbon dioxide than the people of China.

In the classification of pollution per capita, Americans are second with eight tonnes of CO2 per capita, which is 16 times more pollution than an Indian ...